Word
cladding
UK/klˈædɪŋ/
Definition
n. a layer of material added to the outside of a building to protect it or make it look better. It is often made of metal, plastic, or stone.
n. a layer of material applied to the exterior surface of a structure to provide protection, insulation, or aesthetic appeal. Often used in architectural and construction contexts to describe non-structural outer layers.
Examples
“The old brick building was covered in new metal cladding.”
“The architect chose lightweight aluminum cladding to reduce the overall weight of the skyscraper while maintaining a modern look.”
“While traditional stone cladding provides excellent thermal mass, modern composite materials offer superior fire resistance and require significantly less maintenance over the lifespan of the building.”
Examples
simple
“The old brick building was covered in new metal cladding.”
contextual
“The architect chose lightweight aluminum cladding to reduce the overall weight of the skyscraper while maintaining a modern look.”
complex
“While traditional stone cladding provides excellent thermal mass, modern composite materials offer superior fire resistance and require significantly less maintenance over the lifespan of the building.”
Real-World Examples
“This was a year before Grenfell, and the flats market in London was completely crazy.”
Four years later, her flat became unsellable when they realised it was covered in dangerous, flammable cladding.” “The IAEA said in its report that this new site contained “natural uranium metal in the form of fuel rods with cladding”.” Etymology
From clad + -ing. Compare clothing, ultimately from the same source.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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