# stripping

/ˈstɹɪpɪŋ/ (US) · /stɹˈɪpɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stripping
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. removing a layer

noun · CEFR B2

the act of taking off a covering, such as old paint or wallpaper.

For teachers: the process of removing a surface layer, coating, or covering from an object.

- The stripping of the old wallpaper took much longer than we expected.
- The restoration project began with the careful stripping of several layers of lead paint to reveal the original mahogany underneath.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

### 2. chemical separation

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a process in a factory where a gas is used to remove a substance from a liquid.

For teachers: a physical separation process where one or more components are removed from a liquid stream by a vapour stream.

- The plant uses air stripping to remove chemicals from the water supply.
- Steam stripping is a common industrial method for recovering volatile organic compounds from wastewater before it is discharged into the environment.

## Examples

- The stripping of the old paint took all afternoon.
- Chemical stripping is often safer for delicate wood furniture than using a heavy sanding machine.
- Before the new protective sealant could be applied, the thorough stripping of the oxidized layer was necessary to ensure proper adhesion to the metal substrate.

---

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.