highball
Americannoun
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a drink of whiskey mixed with club soda or ginger ale and served with ice in a tall glass.
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Railroads.
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a signal to start a train, given with the hand or with a lamp.
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a signal for a train to move at full speed.
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Military Slang. a hand salute.
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
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a long iced drink consisting of a spirit base with water, soda water, etc
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(originally in railway use) a signal that the way ahead is clear and one may proceed
verb
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(intr) to move at great speed
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(tr) to drive (a vehicle) at great speed
Etymology
Origin of highball
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Declaration of Independence appeared on highball glasses, tea towels and collectible plates.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026
Real glassware — my highball glass had dimples, which conveniently made it easier to grip in the dark — added a classy touch.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 2, 2024
Place a mixture of soaked fruit pieces and about a tablespoon or two of ginger infusion in a highball.
From Salon ● Dec. 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
