First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
tall
adjective \ˈtȯl\
: greater in height than the average person, building, etc.
: having a specified height
Full Definition of TALL
1
obsolete : brave, courageous
2
a : high in stature b : of a specified height <five feet tall>
3
a : of considerable height <tall trees> b : long from bottom to top <a tall book> c : of a higher growing variety or species of plant
4
a : large or formidable in amount, extent, or degree <a tall order to fill> b : pompous, high-flown <tall talk about the vast mysteries of life — W. A. White> c : highly exaggerated : incredible, improbable <a tall story>
— tall adverb
— tall·ish \ˈtȯ-lish\ adjective
— tall·ness \ˈtȯl-nəs\ noun
See tall defined for English-language learners
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Origin of TALL
Middle English tal, probably from Old English getæl quick, ready; akin to Old High German gizal quick
Synonym Discussion of TALL
high, tall, lofty mean above the average in height. high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level <a high hill> <a high ceiling>. tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness <a tall thin man>. lofty suggests great or imposing altitude <lofty mountain peaks>.
TALLNESS Defined for Kids
1tall
adjective \ˈtȯl\
tall·ertall·est
Definition of TALL for Kids
1
: having unusually great height
2
: of a stated height <ten feet tall>
3
: made up <a tall tale>
— tall·ness noun
2tall
adverb
Definition of TALL for Kids
: so as to be or look tall <Stand tall and straight.>
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