skyscraper

American  

[skahy-skrey-per] / ˈskaɪˌskreɪ pər /

noun

1. a relatively tall building of many stories, especially one for office or commercial use.

2. Architecture. a building of exceptional height completely supported by a framework, as of girders, from which the walls are suspended, as opposed to a building supported by load-bearing walls.

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skyscraper British  

/ ˈskaɪˌskreɪpə /

noun

1. a very tall multistorey building

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Etymology

Origin of skyscraper

First recorded in 1785–95; sky + scraper

Example Sentences

By eliminating the need for massive skyscrapers, corporations would redirect capital into smaller, interconnected hubs that foster community integration.

From The Wall Street Journal

"While they are sleeping, we are here," he said, pointing to the residential skyscrapers behind him, where the lights are switched off.

From Barron's

The pre-Revolutionary era aligned with advances in knowledge of the heavenly bodies, sparked by telescopes and a firmament not-yet-obstructed by skyscrapers and pollution.

From The Wall Street Journal

A series of earthquakes strike central Myanmar, rocking the war-torn country’s second-largest city and shaking skyscrapers in neighboring Thailand.

From The Wall Street Journal

It didn’t identify which city it will locate its headquarters in, but it won’t be San Francisco despite the skyscraper there that bears Transamerica’s name.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• high-rise