# tallest

/ˈtɔɫɪst/ (US) · /tˈɔːləst/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tallest
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the person or thing that has the most height compared to all others in a group.

For teachers: the superlative form of 'tall'; indicates the maximum vertical extent within a specific set.

## Examples

- He is the tallest student in our class.
- The architect designed the tallest skyscraper in the city to serve as a landmark for miles around.
- While several peaks in the range are impressive, this mountain is the tallest, reaching an elevation that remains snow-capped even during the height of summer.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is the most tallest boy." but "He is the tallest boy." — One-syllable adjectives form the superlative by adding '-est'; using 'most' as well is a double superlative error.

## Usage notes

- Superlative form; almost always preceded by the definite article 'the'.

---

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.
