What does veiling mean?
Veiling is the act or practice of covering or concealing something, especially a face, with or as if with a veil. The noun can denote the covering itself, while the gerund or participle is common in descriptions of mist, darkness, or expression that obscures what would otherwise be visible. In social and religious contexts, face veiling may express modesty, identity, privacy, or belonging, although its meaning and practice vary widely between cultures. Figurative uses—such as the veiling of facts, a view, or a voice—extend the central idea of putting something out of sight. As a verb, veiling is more literary than simply hiding or covering because it evokes the image of a veil: a material or immaterial barrier that changes what can be seen. The word is used in both British and American English and is useful not only for literal garments but for the many ways visibility, information, and expression can be selectively obscured.
The act or practice of covering or concealing something with or as if with a veil; also a veil or similar covering.
"The ritual of face veiling took place before the ceremony."
To cover or conceal with or as if with a veil.
"Thin clouds veiled the peaks at sunrise."
Usually encountered as the gerund or present participle of veil.
Covering or concealing with or as if with a veil.
"A pale, veiling mist softened the outlines of the buildings."
This is a literary or participial use and is less common than the noun and verb forms.
The plural is rare. Veiling is normally uncountable when referring to the act or practice of concealing something.
"The archive preserves several early twentieth-century bridal veilings."
The Latin root behind veiling could mean a curtain or veil and, quite literally, a ship's sail.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does veiling come from?
Veiling was formed in English by adding the suffix -ing to veil. Veil comes through Middle English and Old French vel from Latin velum, a word that could denote a veil, curtain, or sail. The same Latin source also underlies cognates including velum, a membrane or covering, and vela, the plural form used for sails.
How veiling is actually used
Most commonly encountered as a noun for the act or result of veiling and as a gerund or present participle. Its use as a formal participial adjective is comparatively literary. Face veiling also has social and religious meanings that vary considerably between cultures.
Easily confused with veiling
Veiling means covering or concealing, whereas vailing is the uncommon verb meaning to lower a flag as a sign of distress or surrender.
Veiling conceals something from view, while unveiling reveals or displays it.