skyscraper

[ skahy-skrey-per ]

noun

1. a relatively tall building of many stories, especially one for office or commercial use.
2. Architecture. a building of exceptional height completely supported by a framework, as of girders, from which the walls are suspended, as opposed to a building supported by load-bearing walls.

skyscraper

/ ˈskaɪˌskreɪpə /

noun

1. a very tall multistorey building

Word History and Origins

Origin of skyscraper¹

First recorded in 1785–95; sky + scraper

Example Sentences

“It’s not easy, you know, to see all this,” said Faten, referring to the gleaming skyscrapers, eight-lane highways and exclusive neighborhoods.

From Ozy

When engineers design a skyscraper, they ignore individual molecules in the steel.

From Quanta Magazine

The resulting dust storms, some of them taller than skyscrapers, buried homes whole and blew as far east as Washington.

From ProPublica

Someday, these generators might produce energy in shadowy spots between skyscrapers, he says, or even indoors.

From Science News For Students

An empty skyscraper was a big deal in local politics this week.

From Voice of San Diego

Related Words

• high-rise