wallpaper

[wawl-pey-per]

noun

1. paper, usually with printed decorative patterns in color, for pasting on and covering the walls or ceilings of rooms, hallways, etc.

2. any fabric, foil, vinyl material, etc., used as a wall or ceiling covering.

3. Computers.,  a design or picture in the background of the primary display screen of a graphical user interface.

   Personalize your tablet by changing the wallpaper.

verb (used with object)

1. to put wallpaper on (a wall, ceiling, etc.) or to furnish (a room, house, etc.) with wallpaper.

wallpaper

/ ˈwɔːlˌpeɪpə /

noun

1. paper usually printed or embossed with designs for pasting onto walls and ceilings

2. 1. something pleasant but bland which serves as an unobtrusive background

   2. ( as modifier )

      wallpaper music

3. computing a graphics file that can be displayed in certain applications behind or around the main dialogue boxes, working display areas, etc, for decoration

verb

1. to cover (a surface) with wallpaper

Word History and Origins

Origin of wallpaper¹

First recorded in 1820–30; wall + paper

Example Sentences

If you’ve spent time in the San Fernando Valley, it would be easy to view the overhead electrical transmission lines that stretch for more than 20 miles simply as essential wallpaper of modern living.

From Los Angeles Times

That lent a velveteen innocence to the jovial wreckage “The Osbournes” created and navigated almost constantly, although there were many times when what we saw clashed against the lighthearted sonic wallpaper.

From Salon

He’s decorated the Freeman’s bunker with faded newspapers screaming about famine and bloodshed — facts they know so well that they surely don’t need to use them as wallpaper.

From Los Angeles Times

“Don’t take yourself too seriously,” says New Jersey-based designer Sarah Storms, who hung a small, ornately framed painting of a pink swan in a tiny bathroom with blue wallpaper.

From Los Angeles Times

Now she’s created her dream home in L.A., every inch covered in wallpaper, color and patterned textiles.

From Los Angeles Times