skyscraper

American  

[skahy-skrey-per] / ˈskaɪˌskreɪ pər /

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.

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skyscraper British  

/ ˈskaɪˌskreɪpə /

noun

1. a very tall multistorey building

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Etymology

Origin of skyscraper

First recorded in 1785–95; sky + scraper

Example Sentences

Chicago boasts some of the world’s most imposing skyscrapers, but its humbler buildings have a charm of their own.

From The Wall Street Journal

The short hourly display, on show through Saturday in a business district skyscraper, is drawing large crowds, with many spectators including children curious to see a robot of this kind for the first time.

From Barron's

This week an artist turned the lobby ceiling of a New York skyscraper into a gigantic version of the videogame Pong that anyone can play.

From The Wall Street Journal

Leasehold flats are found in all sorts of properties - from converted Victorian houses to purpose built skyscrapers - and tend to be concentrated in big cities.

From BBC

Honnold, 40, who is married with two children, said it was "a lifelong dream" to scale a skyscraper.

From BBC

Related Words

• high-rise