ENGLISH
REFERENCE

skyscraper

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈskaɪsˌkɹeɪpɝ// UK //skˈaɪskɹeɪpɐ// sky·scraper Archaic

n. a very tall building with many floors, usually found in big cities. These buildings are made of strong materials like steel and glass to reach high into the sky.

n. a continuously habitable building of exceptional height, typically exceeding 100 or 150 metres. Modern examples rely on steel frames or reinforced concrete to support their weight rather than load-bearing walls.


SIMPLE

The new skyscraper dominates the city skyline.

CONTEXTUAL

Architects designed the skyscraper with a reinforced core to withstand the high winds found at such altitudes.

COMPLEX

The construction of the first steel-framed skyscraper in Chicago revolutionised urban planning, allowing for unprecedented population density within the city's commercial district.

Origin

Compound of sky + scraper, first applied to tall steel-frame buildings in American cities such as New York City and Chicago in the 1880s.

Usage

Often used as a modifier in noun phrases like 'skyscraper design' or 'skyscraper construction'.

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