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.
Dawn Aponte, Chief Football Administrative Officer for the NFL, has shattered glass ceilings in league leadership, paving the way for future generations. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 Dec. 2024 Yet narrowing the discussion to these points reinforces the glass ceiling that the region faces in trying to communicate, and ultimately sell, its premium wines. Paul Caputo, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 Directed by Stacey Gregg, the scene in which Angelica finds Ursula dissociating in the sunroom, gray rain beating down on the glass ceiling, is perfectly unnerving. Caroline Framke, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2024 There is a glass ceiling for government jobs as well (and not just in the White House). Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near glass ceiling

Cite this Entry

“Glass ceiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glass%20ceiling. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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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