English Reference

Word

highland

Phoneticshigh·land, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈhaɪɫənd/

UK/hˈaɪlənd/

Definitions

01high land

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. an area of land that is high above sea level, often with hills or mountains.

n. an area of elevated terrain, typically consisting of hills, plateaus, or mountains.

“The sheep grazed on the grassy highland where the air was cool and fresh.”

“The central highland of the island is characterized by rugged volcanic peaks and sparse vegetation, contrasting sharply with the lush coastal plains.”

Antonyms

lowlandvalley

02related to high land

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. related to high land or specifically to the mountains of Scotland.

adj. pertaining to elevated regions; specifically relating to the Highlands of Scotland.

“We enjoyed listening to traditional highland music during our trip to Scotland.”

“The highland climate is significantly harsher than that of the southern valleys, requiring specialized agricultural techniques to sustain the local population.”

Antonyms

lowland

Real-World Examples

“The close-up image of the Moon's surface includes dark areas known as maria and bright areas known as the highlands.”
BBC News 18 Sept 2026
“He says that a growing number are swapping the likes of Tuscany for the Scottish Highlands.”
BBC News 26 Aug 2026

Word family

Domain

Geography

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference