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

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

Partyers could climb to the second floor of a temporary structure, where a bar offered views of the Manhattan skyline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Where magazines and newspapers once were, glass stand-ins bearing skyline imagery will occupy illuminated lightbox shelves.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Trees fading at the skyline, the mountains gone.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• horizon