Meaning & Definition of word "Tower"

Tower

/ˈtaʊər/

noun:

  • 1. A tall, narrow building or structure that is taller than it is wide.
    • Example: The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic structures in the world.
  • 2. A structure used for a specific purpose, such as a lighthouse or a watchtower.
    • Example: The old watchtower offered a perfect view of the incoming ships.
  • 3. A large and imposing building or part of a building, often used for defense or as a feature of a castle.
    • Example: The castle's tower loomed over the surrounding landscape.
  • 4. A vertical grouping of various levels, such as a chess tower in a game of chess.
    • Example: He maneuvered his tower to protect the king.

verb:

  • 1. To rise to or reach a great height.
    • Example: The skyscraper towers over the surrounding buildings.
  • 2. To build or erect something tall.
    • Example: The construction workers towered the new communication satellite dish on the hillside.

Etymology

From Old French 'tor', from Latin 'turris'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

tower of strength:

A person or thing that provides support or strength to others.

to tower over:

To be much taller than someone or something.

the tower defense:

A strategy game genre focusing on defending against waves of enemies.

towering inferno:

A situation that escalates rapidly and becomes uncontrollable.

Related Words

turret:

A small tower on a larger structure, often for defense.

bell tower:

A tower containing bells, often part of a church.

observation tower:

A tower used for viewing the surrounding area.

lighthouse:

A tower with a light to signal ships.

Slang Meanings of tower

Meaning: Towering figure

Example Sentence: He's a towering figure in the local music scene.

Meaning: Towering rage

Example Sentence: She had a towering rage when she found out about the mistake.