WordLens

wall

1 of 2noun
/wɔl/
Forms:walls
1

an upright structure, usually made of brick, concrete, or stone that is made to divide, protect, or surround a place

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  • He noticed a spider crawling up the wall.
  • He placed a bookshelf against the wall to store his books.
  • He stands on a ladder to reach the top of the wall for painting.
  • She hangs a painting on the wall to add color to the room.
  • She placed a calendar on the wall to keep track of important dates.
2

a metaphorical barrier representing a difficult or awkward situation that impedes progress or resolution

  • She felt like she hit a wall in her career, unable to progress any further.
  • The negotiations reached a wall, with neither side willing to compromise.
  • He ran into a wall when trying to solve the complex problem.
  • Their relationship faced a wall of misunderstandings and miscommunications.
  • The team encountered a wall of resistance from the management.
3

a layer of material forming an enclosure, barrier, or covering

  • The walls of the tank were coated with rubber.
  • She insulated the wall to reduce heat loss.
  • The wall of the pipeline was made of steel.
  • Thick walls protect the building from moisture.
  • The cavity wall helps improve energy efficiency.
4

a vertical or near-vertical rock face, cliff, or sheer surface

  • Climbers scaled the sheer wall of the mountain.
  • The cave had a smooth limestone wall.
  • The hikers rested at the base of the rock wall.
  • Ice climbers ascended the frozen wall.
  • The canyon's walls rose steeply on both sides.
5

a person who is staying on the sidelines or not actively participating in the social atmosphere of a party

  • She felt like a wall at the party, just sitting there while everyone else was mingling.
  • Don’t just be a wall, come join us on the dance floor!
  • He’s usually a wall at parties, but he seemed to open up a bit tonight.
  • Stop standing by the wall; everyone’s having fun!
  • I didn’t want to be a wall, but I didn’t know anyone there.