height Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top
    tallness.
  2. noun the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
    superlative; pinnacle; acme; top; summit; peak; elevation; tiptop; meridian.
    • his landscapes were deemed the acme of beauty
    • the artist's gifts are at their acme
    • at the height of her career
    • the peak of perfection
    • summer was at its peak
    • ...catapulted Einstein to the pinnacle of fame
    • the summit of his ambition
    • so many highest superlatives achieved by man
    • at the top of his profession
  3. noun (of a standing person) the distance from head to foot
    stature.
  4. noun elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface
    altitude.
    • the altitude gave her a headache

WordNet

Height noun
Etymology
OE. heighte, heght, heighthe, AS. heáhu, fr. heah high; akin to D. hoogte, Sw. höjd, Dan. höide, Icel. hæ, Goth. hauhipa. See High.
Definitions
  1. The condition of being high; elevated position.
    Behold the height of the stars, how high they are! Job xxii. 12.
  2. The distance to which anything rises above its foot, above that on which in stands, above the earth, or above the level of the sea; altitude; the measure upward from a surface, as the floor or the ground, of animal, especially of a man; stature. Bacon.
    [Goliath's] height was six cubits and a span. 1 Sam. xvii. 4.
  3. Degree of latitude either north or south. Obs.
    Guinea lieth to the north sea, in the same height as Peru to the south. Abp. Abbot.
  4. That which is elevated; an eminence; a hill or mountain; as, Alpine heights. Dryden.
  5. Elevation in excellence of any kind, as in power, learning, arts; also, an advanced degree of social rank; preëminence or distinction in society; prominence.
    Measure your mind's height by the shade it casts. R. Browning.
    All would in his power hold, all make his subjects. Chapman.
  6. Progress toward eminence; grade; degree.
    Social duties are carried to greater heights, and enforced with stronger motives by the principles of our religion. Addison.
  7. Utmost degree in extent; extreme limit of energy or condition; as, the height of a fever, of passion, of madness, of folly; the height of a tempest.
    My grief was at the height before thou camest. Shak.

Webster 1913