sheathing

noun

sheath·​ing ˈshē-t͟hiŋ 

-thiŋ

1

: the action of one that sheathes something

2

: material used to sheathe something

especially : the first covering of boards or of waterproof material on the outside wall of a frame house or on a timber roof

Examples of sheathing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The manufacturing process locks 70% of its carbon inside the product, such as wall sheathing, roof decking, and subflooring. —Jennifer Castenson, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Neurons become hyperactive, astrocytes and microglia become stuffed with lipids and less effective, and cells called oligodendrocytes fail to maintain the sheathing around nerve fibers. —Byjocelyn Kaiser, science.org, 12 Sep. 2024

This barn is on the National Register of Historic Places in Connecticut, and it is built in the English/ New England hybrid style that normally had a gable roof and vertical sheathing. —Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2024

Espinosa holds up a length of wire extending from the box, its black sheathing bearing fresh little scars. —Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sheathing

noun

sheath·​ing ˈshē-t͟hiŋ 

-thiŋ

: material used to sheathe something

especially : the first covering of boards or of waterproof material on the outside wall of a frame house or on a timber roof