What does shingling mean?
Shingling is the activity of putting shingles onto a roof, as well as the resulting covering considered collectively. The shingles are usually thin pieces of asphalt, wood, slate, or another material arranged in overlapping rows so that the roof sheds water. The word is especially common in North American English, where it can refer broadly to asphalt roof covering, while British usage tends to distinguish more clearly between shingles and roofing materials. In ordinary conversation, “the shingling” may mean either the installation process or the finished roof covering, depending on context. It is a practical term useful for discussing roofs, repairs, and building work, and it also evokes the visual pattern of small overlapping pieces. The word derives from the older English word “shingle,” used for thin roof tiles and later for other small, flat materials.
nounThe process of covering a roof with shingles, or the shingles themselves viewed as a roofing covering. It can also refer more generally to a surface or covering made of overlapping shingles.
- The act or process of laying shingles on a roof.
- A roof covering made of shingles, viewed collectively.
"The roof was repaired by replacing the damaged shingles and redoing the shingling."
"The crew completed the shingling before the afternoon storm arrived."
"Fresh shingling gave the old house a completely new appearance."
Rare; usually used when referring to separate instances of roofing work.
"The old shinglings were removed before the new roof was installed."
Shingling turns individual pieces into a weatherproof roof by overlapping them, much like scales on a fish.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shingling come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old English “scincl,” a shell or tile used for covering. The modern spelling “shingle” reflects a gradual shift in the pronunciation and form of the word. The present participle “shingling” developed by adding the usual verbal suffix -ing to the earlier form, while the related roofing noun “shingle” continued to denote the individual covering pieces.
Related word forms
How shingling is actually used
The term is most common in roofing and construction contexts. In general use, it can sound technical or trade-specific.