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

But I’ll hunt for the moon above the city skyline and imagine the fresh footprints that will be left on its surface when the next mission, Artemis III, goes even further.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 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

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

“Wow. Okay, then,” he says, turning away from me and looking toward the skyline.

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez

Related Words

• horizon