tower

1 of 2

noun

tow·​er ˈtau̇(-ə)r 

1

: a building or structure typically higher than its diameter and high relative to its surroundings that may stand apart (such as a campanile) or be attached (such as a church belfry) to a larger structure and that may be fully walled in or of skeleton framework (such as an observation or transmission tower)

2

: a towering citadel : fortress

3

: one that provides support or protection : bulwark

a tower of strength

4

: a personal computer case that stands in an upright position

towered

ˈtau̇(-ə)rd 

adjective

towerlike

ˈtau̇(-ə)r-ˌlīk 

adjective

tower

2 of 2

verb

towered; towering; towers

intransitive verb

1

: to reach or rise to a great height

2

: to exhibit superior qualities : surpass

her intellect towered over the others'

Synonyms

Noun

• cathedral
• edifice
• hall
• palace

Verb

• beat
• better
• eclipse
• exceed
• excel
• outclass
• outdistance
• outdo
• outgun
• outmatch
• outshine
• outstrip
• overtop
• surpass
• top
• transcend

Examples of tower in a Sentence

Noun

a hill from which one can gaze upon the towers of that great and historic city

Verb

that actor's performance towered over all others in the film

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Breakfast is served on the 3rd floor at The Gabriel Miami, while guests and owners from the condos, which tower above the hotel, congregate nightly at the ground floor restaurant G Bar. —Essence, 6 Dec. 2024

Stonemasons erected twin towers on the west facade to house bells the weight of an Indian rhinoceros or a Chevy Silverado. —Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2024

Verb

These towering plants had a combination of ferns’ spore-reproducing capabilities and woody trunks, representing a critical evolutionary link in the history of terrestrial life. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

There’s a deck with a soaking tub for two that overlooks towering trees and that also offers impeccable stargazing views. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English tour, tor, from Old English torr & Anglo-French tur, tour, both from Latin turris, from Greek tyrris, tyrsis

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tower

• bell tower
• conning tower
• cooling tower
• fire tower
• ivory tower
• martello tower
• tower above/over
• tower block
• tower house
• tower of Babel
• tower of strength
• water tower

Kids Definition

tower

1 of 2 noun

tow·​er ˈtau̇(-ə)r 

1

: a tall narrow building or structure that may stand by itself or be attached to a larger structure

2

: citadel sense 1

towered

ˈtau̇(-ə)rd 

adjective

tower

2 of 2 verb

: to reach or rise to a great height