noun / verb
tower
TOW-ur/ˈtaʊər/
A structure rising prominently above its surroundings.
A narrow bell tower rises above the surrounding low buildings.
Etymology
Latin turris named a tower or high structure. In English, the word described a building notably tall relative to its base, then broadened to other lofty piles or masses.
In context
Standing about 8.5 m tall with a base diameter of over 9 m, the Jericho Tower rises from the heart of the early settlement
More examples
- Visitors climb the tower for a view of the harbor.
- Two stone towers stand on either side of the gate.
- The oldest trees tower over the houses.
Forms
tower · towers · towered · towering
towering adjective — Much taller than nearby people or things.
Similar words
- turret
- A small tower projecting from a larger building.
- skyscraper
- A very tall building, usually with many occupied floors.
- loom
- Suggests an imposing or threatening presence, not just height.