-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
As one of the most famous trans women in the world, Cox acknowledged that there is a kind of unspoken loneliness that comes with being among the first to break a glass ceiling in Hollywood.
—
Max Gao, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2025
The director reveals how Sally and Tam navigated their relationship at a time when coming out as gay would have sunk any chance for Ride to shatter the glass ceiling of space exploration.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
These homes and other structures were monuments to the Black residents drawn to Altadena, first as domestic workers in the estates of millionaires and later as a rising middle class of professionals who had broken glass ceilings.
—
Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
While corporate America has long celebrated shattering the glass ceiling, a more pervasive barrier continues to hold women back from reaching leadership positions — the broken rung.
—
Kara Dennison, Sphr, Cprw, Ec, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for glass ceiling 
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1984, in the meaning defined above
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 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
glass ceiling
noun
: an informal limit to how high a position women and minorities can earn in a company
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share