Word
grating
Phoneticsgrat·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹeɪtɪŋ/
UK/ɡɹˈeɪtɪŋ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a wooden or metal frame made of bars that cross each other. On a ship, it lets air and light into the lower levels while giving people a surface to walk on.
n. a framework of parallel or crossed bars used to cover an opening, especially on a ship's deck to provide ventilation and light to the lower decks.
Examples
“The sailor stepped carefully over the wooden grating on the deck.”
“Fresh air circulated through the open grating, cooling the cramped quarters below the main deck during the tropical voyage.”
“Traditional naval architecture utilized heavy oak gratings to ensure that even when the hatches were secured against high seas, the hold remained ventilated to prevent the accumulation of dampness and rot.”
Examples
simple
“The sailor stepped carefully over the wooden grating on the deck.”
contextual
“Fresh air circulated through the open grating, cooling the cramped quarters below the main deck during the tropical voyage.”
complex
“Traditional naval architecture utilized heavy oak gratings to ensure that even when the hatches were secured against high seas, the hold remained ventilated to prevent the accumulation of dampness and rot.”
Usage
Often used in the plural when referring to the entire set of covers on a vessel.
Real-World Examples
“At intervals between the conversation, Megan Culley’s sound design swells and the buzz of cicadas becomes a grating industrial ring.” “Lefty’s putatively “authentic” and grating vocal rasp just highlights the Cali-raised singer’s fake southern accent.” Etymology
From grat(e) + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/grating