noun

cladding

/ˈklædɪŋ/ · say it: KLAD·ing

material covering a building's exterior

In Architecture & Design

In more detail

1. (noun) an outer layer of material that covers and protects the outside of a building or structure

2. (noun) a thin layer of metal or other material covering another metal

Examples

1. The building's aluminum cladding makes it look modern and helps insulate it.
2. The stainless steel cladding protects the copper underneath from corrosion.

How to use cladding

Cladding is a technical term used in architecture, construction, and materials science to describe protective outer layers on buildings or composite materials. It emphasizes both functional protection and aesthetic finishing. The term is standard in professional contexts but less common in everyday speech, where "covering" or "facing" might be used instead.

Common phrases

metal cladding
cladding material
cladding system
external cladding
fire-resistant cladding
install cladding

Synonyms

covering · sheathing · facing · coating · veneer

Word family

clad (verb/adjective) · clad (past tense)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse cladding with facade, which refers specifically to the front-facing exterior of a building rather than an outer protective layer that can wrap around an entire structure.

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