skyline

American  

[skahy-lahyn] / ˈskaɪˌlaɪn /

noun

1. the boundary line between earth and sky; the apparent horizon.

   A sail appeared against the skyline.

2. the outline of something, as the buildings of a city, against the sky.

   the New York skyline.

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verb (used with object)

skylined, skylining

1. to outline (something) against the sky.

skyline British  

/ ˈskaɪˌlaɪn /

noun

1. the line at which the earth and sky appear to meet; horizon

2. the outline of buildings, mountains, trees, etc, seen against the sky

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Etymology

Origin of skyline

First recorded in 1855–60; sky + line ¹

Example Sentences

At a viewpoint overlooking Chiang Mai, the city skyline was almost entirely obscured, with only faint outlines of hills visible through a dense grey haze and a dim orange sun hanging in the sky.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The 13-mile Lake Monona Loop winds through parks and along the water, with some of the best lake and skyline views in the city.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Over his 12 years as mayor, Fulop oversaw a transformation of Jersey City’s skyline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

And while Manchester's skyline and music venues are constantly changing, making Grimshaw feel "like a grandma" whenever he returns, the "northern hospitality", as he puts it, remains the same.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

The setting sun played hide-and-seek with some purple clouds stretched out along the Jersey City skyline, and a warm summer breeze swooshed in through the open Cadillac windows and made a mess of her hair.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older

Related Words

• horizon