What does tall mean?
Tall describes something with a substantial vertical height, usually relative to people, objects, or an expected standard. It can characterize people, buildings, trees, furniture, and natural formations, and it may also apply metaphorically to an ambitious or impressive proposition. The adjective commonly carries a positive visual impression of height and distinction, although it can simply state a measurable physical characteristic. In informal British and American English, describing someone as tall can imply that the person is attractive or impressive because of their stature. The expression “a tall drink” has a separate idiomatic meaning: a drink containing a relatively large amount of alcohol. Although “high” is often a close alternative, tall is generally more natural for physical stature and for objects whose height is being emphasized.
Having a considerable vertical height, especially in comparison with a person, object, or standard.
"The lighthouse stood tall above the cliffs."
The informal sense of “attractive or impressive because of height” is especially associated with descriptions of people.
In or as a tall drink; with a comparatively large amount of spirit.
"They drank tall and stayed up until dawn."
This use is informal and occurs chiefly in the expression “drink tall” or “a tall drink.”
A person may be tall without being high-spirited, while a high voice says nothing about height: “tall” belongs to the body, not the mood.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tall come from?
The adjective entered Middle English in a form close to the modern word, with meanings connected with height or loftiness. It developed from an older Germanic word family, although its exact ancient form and relationship to some superficially similar words are less transparent. Modern English has preserved the basic sense of greater-than-usual vertical height, while the informal sense involving attractiveness is considerably later and context-dependent.
Related word forms
How tall is actually used
In its informal sense of “attractive,” the word is especially associated with descriptions of men, though it can be used of anyone. “A tall drink” is a fixed informal expression for a strong alcoholic drink.