# cladding

/klˈædɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cladding
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.