Skyscraper Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈskaɪskreɪpər/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A very tall, continuously habitable building of many stories, typically designed for office, commercial, and residential uses.

Examples

• The city’s skyline is dominated by a sleek skyscraper.
• She works on the 20th floor of a skyscraper in downtown Manhattan.

Synonyms

• High-rise
• Tower

Antonyms

• Bungalow
• Cottage

Additional Information

Skyscrapers are a prominent feature of modern urban landscapes, often serving as iconic symbols of a city’s economic and cultural prosperity. They are typically designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable, incorporating advanced technologies and materials to minimize their environmental impact.

Skyscrapers have also become popular tourist attractions, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding cityscape from observation decks and rooftop restaurants. In addition, they often feature innovative architectural designs, pushing the boundaries of engineering and construction techniques.

Despite their many benefits, skyscrapers have also been criticized for their potential negative impacts on urban environments, including increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and strain on local infrastructure.

Etymology

The term “skyscraper” originated in the late 19th century, derived from the nautical term “sky sail,” referring to a sail that extends above the main mast of a ship. The term was later applied to tall buildings, which seemed to “scrape the sky” with their towering heights.

Usage Notes

When referring to a specific building, use the term “skyscraper” as a noun. For example: “The skyscraper on 5th Avenue is one of the tallest in the city.” When describing a general type of building, use the term as an adjective: “Skyscraper architecture has become a hallmark of modern cities.”

Cultural References

Skyscrapers have been featured prominently in popular culture, including in films like “King Kong” and “Die Hard,” as well as in literature, such as in the works of authors like J.G. Ballard and Don DeLillo.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Reach for the sky” (meaning to strive for excellence or greatness)
• “Sky-high” (meaning extremely high or expensive)

Related Words or Phrases

• Tall building
• High-rise
• Tower block

Collocations

• Skyscraper city
• Skyscraper architecture
• Skyscraper design

Frequency of Use

The term “skyscraper” is commonly used in modern language, particularly in urban planning, architecture, and real estate contexts. According to Google Ngram, the term has been steadily increasing in usage since the mid-20th century.

Common Misspellings

• Sky scraper
• Skyscrapper
• Skyscraber