highball

American  

[hahy-bawl] / ˈhaɪˌbɔl /

noun

1. a drink of whiskey mixed with club soda or ginger ale and served with ice in a tall glass.

2. Railroads.

   1. a signal to start a train, given with the hand or with a lamp.

   2. a signal for a train to move at full speed.

3. Military Slang. a hand salute.

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verb (used without object)

1. Slang. to move at full speed.

verb (used with object)

1. to signal to (the engineer of a train) to proceed.

highball British  

/ ˈhaɪˌbɔːl /

noun

1. a long iced drink consisting of a spirit base with water, soda water, etc

2. (originally in railway use) a signal that the way ahead is clear and one may proceed

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verb

1. (intr) to move at great speed

2. (tr) to drive (a vehicle) at great speed

Etymology

Origin of highball

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; high + ball ¹

Example Sentences

Place a mixture of soaked fruit pieces and about a tablespoon or two of ginger infusion in a highball.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2023

For contrast, a gulpable yuzu highball fizzes citrusy-sweet.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2023

Fill a highball glass with ice, and, if you like lime, wet the rim and inside of the glass with lime juice.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 28, 2023

The three-ingredient version is a bright low-sugar sip; adding orange liqueur makes for something like a margarita in highball form.

From Washington Post • Jul. 27, 2021

Also we sing: Leprosy, Night and day you torture me, There goes my eyeball Into my highball .

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• accost
• acknowledge
• address
• approach
• attend
• embrace
• hail
• meet
• receive
• salute
• shake hands
• stop