English Reference
Adjective

towering

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈtaʊɝɪŋ/ UK /tˈaʊəɹɪŋ/ tow·er·ing

adj.extremely tall, especially compared to the things around it. You use this to describe buildings, mountains, or even people who seem very impressive.

adj.reaching a great height; exceptionally tall or impressive in stature. Often used figuratively to describe dominance or superior influence within a field.


SIMPLE

The towering skyscraper is visible from miles away.

CONTEXTUAL

The climbers felt small and insignificant beneath the towering peaks of the Himalayas.

COMPLEX

His towering intellect dominated the academic landscape for decades, leaving a legacy that few of his contemporaries could hope to match or even fully comprehend.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; can also follow linking verbs like 'seem' or 'look'.

That night in a maloca , the chief and his family were all sleeping deeply in their hammocks under the vast, towering roof.

Aeon· 20 Aug 2026

He gets Andy to lean his full height against a towering speaker stack.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated