# Highlands

/ˈhaɪɫəndz/ (US) · /hˈaɪləndz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/highlands
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. elevated land

noun · CEFR B2

an area of land that is high or mountainous compared to the land around it.

For teachers: a mountainous or elevated region of land, typically used in the plural to describe a specific geographical area.

- The sheep grazed peacefully on the grassy slopes of the highlands.
- The central highlands of the island are characterized by rugged terrain and a significantly cooler climate than the coastal plains.

### 2. Northern Scotland

noun · CEFR B2

the mountainous northern part of Scotland, known for its beautiful scenery and history.

For teachers: the mountainous region of northern Scotland, often distinguished culturally and geographically from the Lowlands.

- We spent our summer holiday hiking through the Scottish Highlands.
- Tourism remains a vital industry for the Highlands, drawing visitors from around the globe to witness the dramatic landscapes and historic castles.

## Examples

- The highlands are cold and windy in winter.
- Tourists visit the Scottish highlands to hike through the green valleys and see the ancient castles.
- The rugged topography of the highlands has preserved traditional farming methods that have largely disappeared in the lowland plains.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.