What does height mean?
Height is the noun for the vertical extent of an object or person, and it is also used figuratively for a person's stature or the degree to which something reaches a particular level. A building's height is usually stated as a measurement, while a person's height describes their bodily stature. The word can also name an elevated position, as in “the heights,” or characterize an extreme point in time, status, or emotion, as in “the height of fashion.” In formal and technical writing, “height” is often paired with a specified reference point, such as “height above sea level.” Its everyday equivalents include “tallness” for physical extent and, in some contexts, “altitude” for elevation above a baseline. Height remains neutral in register and is used in British and American English alike. Etymologically, it belongs to the same Germanic family as high, and its meaning has developed closely around the ideas of elevation and vertical measurement.
nounThe vertical extent or elevation of an object, person, or feature. By extension, it means a person's stature or the high point reached by something in status, quality, emotion, or time.
- The vertical measurement or extent of an object, person, or natural feature.
- A person's physical stature, especially when stated as a numerical measurement.
- A particular level of status, quality, emotion, activity, or achievement.
- An elevated position or region, especially when used in the plural.
"The tower's height varies slightly with the height of the river below."
"The athletes recorded their height and weight before the competition."
"The scandal reached the height of public outrage."
The plural is used for multiple measurements or levels and can refer collectively to elevated places or regions.
"The clouds reached new heights above the mountains."
Height began as a word for what is “high” and still carries that double life: a measurement, a person's stature, or the peak of an experience.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does height come from?
Height descends from Old English hīehþ, also recorded as hīehþe, meaning elevation or vertical extent. It is cognate with Old Norse hæð, Dutch hoogte, and German Höhe, and is related more broadly to English high. The Germanic word family centers on the notion of being raised or elevated.
Related word forms
How height is actually used
Neutral and standard in British and American English. When asking about a person's bodily measurement, “How tall are you?” is generally more idiomatic, while “height” is common in records, measurements, and technical contexts.
Easily confused with height
Height is a noun naming a measurement or level, whereas high is normally an adjective describing something elevated.