What does skyline mean?
A skyline is the outline or silhouette created by the tops of buildings, hills, trees, or other features against the sky. The term is especially associated with the distinctive profile of a city viewed from a distance or from an elevated position. “The city’s skyline” often refers not merely to a physical line but to the overall appearance and character of its buildings. It can also be used figuratively, as in “a change in the political skyline,” to mean a shift in the general landscape of events or possibilities. The word is common in descriptions of architecture, tourism, cities, and landscapes, while “horizon” is a related term but more often refers to the apparent boundary where the earth or sea meets the sky.
nounThe line or outline formed by the tops of buildings, hills, or other features against the background of the sky. The word can also refer metaphorically to the distant or prominent upper edge of a landscape or city.
- The outline or upper boundary formed by buildings, hills, or other objects against the sky.
- The distant general appearance of a city or landscape, especially when viewed from a vantage point.
"The apartment tower changed the city's skyline."
"The old church is a distinctive feature of the town's skyline."
"Tourists came to admire the skyline of the city at sunset."
The plural is used when referring to the outlines of different cities, landscapes, or scenes.
"The photographs show the skylines of several coastal towns."
A city's skyline turns its architecture into a silhouette, making even ordinary streets instantly recognizable from a distance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skyline come from?
“Skyline” is a compound formed in the early 19th century from “sky” and “line.” “Sky” developed in Middle English from the Old Norse word ský, meaning cloud or sky, while “line” is an inherited English word with Latin origins. Related formations include “skylight,” “skyward,” and “airspace,” all of which share the older sense of the upper atmosphere.
How skyline is actually used
The word is commonly used in journalism, tourism, architecture, and urban planning. It usually describes a recognizable outline or panoramic view rather than a single building.
Easily confused with skyline
A skyline is the visible outline formed against the sky, while a horizon is the apparent line where the earth's surface meets the sky.