high-rise

1 of 2

adjective

ˈhī-ˈrīz 

1

: being multistory and equipped with elevators

high-rise apartments

2

: of, relating to, or characterized by high-rise buildings

a high-rise complex

3

: having a longer than standard rise (see rise entry 2 sense 7)

high-rise jeans

There are boxer shorts, low-rise briefs, high-rise briefs, … and colors galore.

—Nancy Lawson

high-rise

2 of 2

noun

ˈhī-ˌrīz 

variants or less commonly high rise

plural high-rises also high rises

: a building (such as an apartment building) that has multiple stories and is equipped with elevators

They live on the tenth floor of a high-rise.

Examples of high-rise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

These jeans are also aptly named for their super high-rise silhouette that hits right at the ribcage, providing some smoothing and security over the tummy. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026

The high-rise silhouette creates a clean, elongated look, while the straight-leg cut pairs nicely with any shoe, from sneakers and flats to heels. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026

Noun

Four days later, the report said, a drone hit a high-rise building in the area of Vermont Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard while flying at night. —Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026

It was designed by architect Adolph Woerner, who was also behind the Village Theater on Clark Street and North Avenue that partially survives as a façade for a residential high-rise entryway. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun

1962, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

high-rise

adjective

ˈhī-ˈrīz

: having several stories and being equipped with elevators

high-rise apartments

high-rise noun