# skyline

/ˈskaɪˌɫaɪn/ (US) · /skˈaɪlaɪn/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. city silhouette

noun · CEFR B1

the shape of a city's buildings against the sky.

For teachers: the outline or silhouette of a city's buildings, especially skyscrapers, as seen against the sky.

- The New York skyline is famous for its tall skyscrapers and bright lights.
- From the observation deck, the city skyline stretched across the horizon, dominated by the glass towers of the financial district.

### 2. the horizon

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

the line where the sky seems to touch the land or the sea.

For teachers: the apparent boundary between the earth and the sky; the horizon.

- The sun began to disappear below the desert skyline.
- The jagged peaks of the mountain range formed a dramatic skyline that defined the northern edge of the valley.

Teaching tip: In modern English, 'horizon' is much more common for this sense; 'skyline' is usually reserved for cities or mountains.

### 3. to outline against the sky

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

to show the shape of something clearly against the sky.

For teachers: to cause an object or person to be seen as a silhouette against the sky.

- The lone tree was skylined against the bright orange sunset.
- The soldiers were careful not to move along the ridge, as they did not want to be skylined and become easy targets for the enemy.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice.

Teaching tip: This verb use is rare outside of military or artistic contexts.

## Examples

- The New York skyline is famous all over the world.
- We watched the sunset from the rooftop bar, which offered a perfect view of the city skyline.
- The rapid construction of glass-fronted skyscrapers has fundamentally altered the historic skyline, creating a stark contrast between the medieval cathedral spires and modern corporate architecture.

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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.