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tall

adjective
\ ˈtȯl How to pronounce tall (audio) \

Definition of tall

1a : high in stature
b : of a specified height five feet tall
2a : of considerable height tall trees
b : long from bottom to top a tall book
c : of a higher growing variety or species of plant
3a : large or formidable in amount, extent, or degree a tall order to fill
b : pompous, high-flown tall talk about the vast mysteries of life— W. A. White
c : highly exaggerated : incredible, improbable a tall story
4 obsolete : brave, courageous
Other Words from tall Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about tall

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Other Words from tall

tall adverb
tallish \ ˈtȯ-​lish How to pronounce tallish (audio) \ adjective
tallness \ ˈtȯl-​nÉ™s How to pronounce tallness (audio) \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for tall

Synonyms

altitudinous, high, lofty, towering

Antonyms

low, low-lying, short, squat

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Choose the Right Synonym for tall

high, tall, lofty mean above the average in height. high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level. a high hill a high ceiling tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness. a tall thin man lofty suggests great or imposing altitude. lofty mountain peaks

Examples of tall in a Sentence

All the children in my family grew up to be very tall. My mother is short but my father is fairly tall. The giraffe is the tallest animal. The drinks were served in tall glasses. She is five feet tall.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Childers is described as about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 230 pounds. — oregonlive, "Vancouver police ask for help finding missing man," 2 Sep. 2019 Blane Barksdale is described as 6 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 265 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair, but his head is shaved. — Mike Cruz, azcentral, "U.S. Marshals: New photos released of escaped Tucson murder suspects," 31 Aug. 2019 Police said Farmer is white, 5 feet 11 inches tall and about 140 pounds. — Jason Green, The Mercury News, "Search continues for Belmont man missing since Monday," 28 Aug. 2019 Police described Gabriella Harkness as about 5 feet 9 inches tall, 115 pounds, with brown hair. — Seattle Times Staff, The Seattle Times, "Woman and 1-year-old daughter missing from Mill Creek reportedly found," 27 Aug. 2019 Cruz is described as being in his mid-30s, about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and 185 pounds, according to the Coast Guard. — Alejandro Serrano, SFChronicle.com, "Search for missing fisherman near Discovery Bay enters second day," 26 Aug. 2019 At 6 feet, 5 inches tall, the professional contrarian and ideological warrior had little interest in blending in. — Philip Elliott, Time, "David Koch's Millions Remade the Republican Party. He Didn't Like the Results," 23 Aug. 2019 Description: Latino, 5 feet 11 inches tall, 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. — Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, "San Diego’s Wanted: Auto theft," 22 Aug. 2019 He is described as a white male standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 158 pounds, has brown hair and brown eyes. — Justin L. Mack, Indianapolis Star, "Statewide Amber Alert declared for missing Indiana teen," 18 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tall.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of tall

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

History and Etymology for tall

Middle English tal, probably from Old English getæl quick, ready; akin to Old High German gizal quick

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More Definitions for tall

tall

adjective
How to pronounce tall (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of tall

: greater in height than the average person, building, etc.
: having a specified height

See the full definition for tall in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tall

adjective
\ ˈtȯl How to pronounce tall (audio) \
taller; tallest

Kids Definition of tall

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : having unusually great height
2 : of a stated height ten feet tall
3 : made up a tall tale

Other Words from tall

tallness noun

tall

adverb

Kids Definition of tall (Entry 2 of 2)

: so as to be or look tall Stand tall and straight.

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