Meaning & Definition of word "Skyscraper"
to
Skyscraper
/ˈskaɪˌskreɪpər/
noun:
- 1. A very tall building of many stories, typically designed for commercial, office, or residential use.
- Example: The new skyscraper downtown is over 100 stories tall.
- 2. Any high-rise building, especially those that significantly alter the skyline of a city.
- Example: The skyline of New York City is famous for its iconic skyscrapers.
- 3. A tall, continuously occupied building distinguished from other tall buildings by its height and its use of advanced construction methods.
- Example: Engineers are developing new technologies to make skyscrapers even taller and more energy-efficient.
- 4. A building designed to maximize the available area and minimize the footprint on the ground.
- Example: The skyscraper was designed with green spaces and public areas to benefit the community.
Etymology
The term originates from the early 1880s when it was used to describe tall buildings, with 'sky' referring to the atmosphere above and 'scraper' implying something that scrapes the sky.
Common Phrases and Expressions
reach for the sky:
To have high aspirations or ambitions.
scraping the sky:
Referring to something very tall; often used to describe skyscrapers.
Related Words
high-rise:
A building of many stories, typically used in urban settings.
urbanization:
The process of making an area more urban, often leading to the construction of skyscrapers.
Slang Meanings of skyscraper
Meaning: a very tall building
Example Sentence: That new project is going to be a real skyscraper!