glass ceiling

noun

: an intangible barrier within a hierarchy that prevents women or minorities from obtaining upper-level positions

Examples of glass ceiling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then there’s the Winter Garden, which looks like a greenhouse with a glass ceiling and loads of plants. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026 Next to Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is known for having acres of gardens under the glass ceiling of its atrium. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026 Having entered the industry as a starlet in 2018, Willis had reached its apex in less than three years — and was already looking past the glass ceiling that separates adult performers from mainstream recognition. — Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026 Just as inevitably as Japan qualifying for the World Cup, the current team hit a glass ceiling that led to its elimination from the tournament, posing some serious questions for the country. — Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for glass ceiling

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glass ceiling was in 1984

Rhymes for glass ceiling

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Browse Nearby Words

glass catfish
glass ceiling
glass cement
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Cite this Entry

“Glass ceiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glass%20ceiling. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

glass ceiling

noun
: an informal limit to how high a position women and minorities can earn in a company
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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