What does tallest mean?
Tallest is the superlative form of tall and means having the greatest height in a particular group or category. It can describe people, buildings, trees, mountains, or any comparable thing. The word is used both in ordinary conversation and in formal reports, competitions, records, and descriptions of geography or architecture. For example, a person may be called the tallest in a class, while a mountain may be described as the tallest peak in a range. Although the basic meaning concerns physical height, the word can also be used figuratively in phrases such as “the tallest order,” where it means exceptionally demanding or unreasonable. In most contexts, however, it straightforwardly identifies the highest member of a group. The related adjective tall indicates considerable height, while taller compares two things. Tallest supplies the strongest degree of comparison and is normally used when three or more people or things are involved.
adjectiveHaving the greatest height among a group of people, objects, or places. It is the superlative form of tall.
- Having greater height than any other member of a group or category.
"The tower is the tallest structure in the city."
"She is the tallest student in the class."
"The tallest trees in the forest are found in the valley."
The tallest point on Earth is the summit of Mount Everest, whose peak reaches more than eight kilometres above sea level.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tallest
Tallest was formed by adding the superlative suffix -est to tall. Tall is a Middle English adjective with an uncertain deeper origin, although it has been associated with Germanic words meaning high or lofty. The modern form follows the standard English pattern of comparing three or more items by adding -est, as in tall, taller, and tallest.
Related word forms
How tallest is actually used
The word is commonly used in everyday speech and formal writing. When comparing individual measurements, it identifies the greatest height within the stated group or category.
Easily confused with tallest
Tall describes someone or something of considerable height, whereas tallest identifies the member of a group with the greatest height.