# tower

/ˈtaʊɝ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 2. computer case

noun · CEFR B1

a tall, vertical case that holds the main parts of a desktop computer.

For teachers: a vertical computer case designed to stand on the floor or a desk, distinct from horizontal desktop models.

- He tucked the computer tower under his desk to save space.
- The technician opened the tower to install additional RAM and a more powerful cooling fan for the server.

### 3. business unit

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a specific department or area of a business that is managed separately.

For teachers: a distinct functional silo or service area within an IT or business outsourcing model, often managed by a specific provider.

- The company divided its IT services into a network tower and a security tower.
- Under the new multi-sourcing strategy, the infrastructure tower was awarded to a specialist vendor while the service desk remained in-house.

### 4. a person who tows

noun · CEFR B2

a person or a vehicle that pulls another vehicle behind it.

For teachers: an agent, vehicle, or vessel that performs the act of towing another object.

- The tower arrived with a large truck to move the broken car.
- The harbour tower coordinated the movement of several barges, ensuring they cleared the narrow channel before the tide turned.

### 5. to be very tall

verb · CEFR B2

to be much taller than the people or things around you.

For teachers: to rise to a conspicuous height; to be significantly taller than surrounding objects or individuals.

- The new office building will tower over the small houses in the street.
- The ancient redwoods tower over the forest floor, creating a dense canopy that blocks out most of the direct sunlight.

Usage: usually followed by 'over' or 'above'

## Examples

- The clock tower stands in the center of the town.
- The company moved its headquarters to a glass tower in the financial district to accommodate its growing staff.
- From the observation deck of the television tower, visitors can see the entire metropolitan area stretching toward the horizon in every direction.

---

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.