plastering: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical (construction), Informal (extended senses)
Quick answer
What does “plastering” mean?
The process or trade of applying a smooth, hard coating (plaster) to walls and ceilings, typically made from a mixture of lime or gypsum, sand, and water.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process or trade of applying a smooth, hard coating (plaster) to walls and ceilings, typically made from a mixture of lime or gypsum, sand, and water.
More broadly, the action of covering or coating a surface thickly with any soft, adhesive substance (e.g., mud, ointment). Can also refer to applying something liberally, especially in a negative context (e.g., 'plastering makeup').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'plastering' commonly refers to the application of wet plaster (gypsum/lime mix) to interior walls to create a smooth finish, often onto lath or plasterboard. In the US, while the term is used, 'drywalling' or 'hanging sheetrock' is more common for creating interior walls, with 'plastering' sometimes referring to a traditional or high-end finish over lath or as a veneer coat.
Connotations
In the UK, it's a standard construction trade. In the US, it may connote older, more traditional, or artisan building methods compared to ubiquitous drywall.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English due to the prevalence of wet plaster systems in construction. Less common in everyday US English, where 'drywall installation' is the default concept.
Grammar
How to Use “plastering” in a Sentence
[Someone] is plastering [a surface] (with [material]).[A surface] needs plastering.The [trade/job] of plastering.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plastering” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They've been plastering the hallway for two days.
- Make sure you plaster over those old cracks properly.
American English
- He's plastering a traditional lime coat over the brick.
- She plastered her face with moisturizer before the flight.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a pure adverb; typically in compounds) N/A
American English
- (Rare as a pure adverb; typically in compounds) N/A
adjective
British English
- He's a fully qualified plastering technician.
- We need to buy some plastering supplies.
American English
- The plastering crew starts next Monday.
- Traditional plastering methods are making a comeback.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Quotes and contracts for building work. 'The plastering subcontractor has submitted their invoice.'
Academic
In archaeology, art history, or materials science discussing historical building techniques. 'Minoan frescoes required skilled plastering as a base.'
Everyday
Discussing home renovations. 'We can't paint until the plastering is completely dry.'
Technical
Specific to building trades, discussing mixes, methods, and British Standards. 'Bonding coat plastering requires a keyed substrate.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plastering”
- Using 'plastering' to mean installing plasterboard/drywall (that's 'boarding' or 'drywalling'). Plastering is the wet finish applied *to* the board/lath.
- Misspelling as 'plasturing' or 'plasterring'.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /plæsˈtɪərɪŋ/ instead of /ˈplɑːstərɪŋ/ or /ˈplæstərɪŋ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In modern US English especially, 'drywalling' refers to installing the panels (drywall/sheetrock). 'Plastering' is the process of applying a wet plaster finish *onto* a surface like lath, plasterboard, or masonry.
Yes, informally. It can mean applying something thickly or liberally (e.g., 'plastering mud on the wheels', 'plastering posters all over town', 'plastering on makeup'). These uses often carry a slight negative connotation of being excessive or messy.
In UK construction terminology, 'plastering' is the general term. 'Skimming' is a specific type of plastering: applying a very thin, final smooth coat (2-3mm) of finish plaster over an existing base coat or plasterboard to create a perfect surface for painting.
It is a gerund (a verb form functioning as a noun). Here, it names the activity or trade itself.
The process or trade of applying a smooth, hard coating (plaster) to walls and ceilings, typically made from a mixture of lime or gypsum, sand, and water.
Plastering is usually technical (construction), informal (extended senses) in register.
Plastering: in British English it is pronounced /ˈplɑːstərɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈplæstərɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be plastered to something (e.g., 'His hair was plastered to his forehead') – soaked and stuck flat.”
- “'Plaster over the cracks' – to provide a superficial solution that hides deeper problems.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PLASTER cast for a broken bone – it's a hard coating that sets. PLASTER-ING is the action of putting that coating on a wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
COVERING IS HIDING/CONCEALING (e.g., 'plastering over mistakes'), APPLYING LIBERALLY IS PLASTERING (e.g., 'plastered in sunscreen').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'plastering' MOST specifically and accurately used?