tiling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to technical
Quick answer
What does “tiling” mean?
The action or process of covering a surface with tiles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or process of covering a surface with tiles.
A surface or pattern formed by tiles; also used metaphorically in mathematics and computing to describe covering a plane without gaps or overlaps.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling is consistent. The verb 'to tile' is used identically.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Associated with construction, decoration, and mathematics.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties, slightly higher in UK English due to older housing stock requiring more renovation.
Grammar
How to Use “tiling” in a Sentence
[noun] of tilingtiling on [surface]tiling with [material]tiling in [room]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tiling” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We will be tiling the splashback next week.
- They've finished tiling the entire ground floor.
American English
- We're tiling the shower stall this weekend.
- He hired a contractor to tile the patio.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form in use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form in use]
adjective
British English
- The tiling contractor gave us a quote.
- We need more tiling adhesive.
American English
- The tiling crew arrives Monday.
- Check the tiling instructions first.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a trade service or a line of products, e.g., 'We specialise in commercial tiling.'
Academic
Used in mathematics (geometry) and computer graphics, e.g., 'The study of periodic tiling of the plane.'
Everyday
Refers to home improvement and interior design, e.g., 'We're choosing new tiling for the kitchen.'
Technical
In construction: specifying materials and methods. In computing: a method for managing graphical data or memory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tiling”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tiling”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tiling”
- Misspelling as 'tilling' (which means ploughing).
- Using as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'a tiling' is rare; prefer 'a tile' or 'a section of tiling').
- Confusing 'tiling' (noun) with 'to tile' (verb) in sentence structure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, for interior and exterior surfaces like floors, walls, roofs, and patios. It is also used metaphorically in mathematics and computing.
'Tiles' are the individual pieces (the material). 'Tiling' refers to the process of installing them or the installed result as a whole.
No, 'tiling' is a noun (or gerund). The verb is 'to tile'. 'Tiling' can function as a modifier in compound nouns (e.g., tiling job).
In everyday language, 'tiling' is common. In precise mathematical and technical contexts, 'tessellation' is often preferred to describe a pattern that covers a plane without gaps.
The action or process of covering a surface with tiles.
Tiling is usually neutral to technical in register.
Tiling: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪlɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪlɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'tiling']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SMILE made of tiles. The long 'I' sound in 'tiling' matches the shape of a smile, and you smile when you see beautiful tiling.
Conceptual Metaphor
COVERING IS A SKIN/SHELL (the tiling is a protective, decorative layer over a surface). ORDER IS A PATTERN (regular tiling represents organisation and structure).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'tiling' used to describe covering a surface without gaps or overlaps?