highboy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Specialist (Furniture/Antiques)
Quick answer
What does “highboy” mean?
A tall chest of drawers, typically having two sections and often mounted on legs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tall chest of drawers, typically having two sections and often mounted on legs.
A specific style of antique furniture, historically popular in the 18th century, characterized by its considerable height and decorative, often ornate, design.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term 'tallboy' is far more common and widely understood. 'Highboy' is recognized but is considered a more American term.
Connotations
In the US, 'highboy' carries connotations of antique, colonial, or traditional American furniture. In the UK, 'tallboy' is the standard term with the same meaning.
Frequency
'Highboy' is of low frequency in British English. It is of moderate frequency in American English within relevant contexts (antiques, interior design).
Grammar
How to Use “highboy” in a Sentence
[Verb] a highboy: refinish, restore, move, purchase, auction[Adjective] highboy: Chippendale, Queen Anne, Sheraton, federal, AmericanVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in auction catalogues, antique dealerships, and interior design proposals.
Academic
Used in art history, furniture history, and material culture studies.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation unless discussing furniture shopping or home decor.
Technical
Standard term in cabinetmaking, furniture restoration, and antiques classification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “highboy”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “highboy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “highboy”
- Spelling as 'high boy' (two words).
- Using it as a general term for any chest of drawers.
- Pronouncing the 'gh' as /f/ (as in 'enough').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A highboy is a tall chest of drawers, often in two sections. A lowboy is a low table or stand with drawers, typically used as a dressing table or side table; it is essentially the lower section of a highboy on its own.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialist term. Most people will only encounter it when discussing antique furniture or specific styles of bedroom furniture.
In meaning, yes, they refer to the same object. However, 'tallboy' is preferred in British English, and 'highboy' is the standard term in American English, especially for historical styles.
In very specific, dated slang (mid-20th century US), it could refer to a tall can of beer. This usage is now extremely rare and should be avoided to prevent confusion.
A tall chest of drawers, typically having two sections and often mounted on legs.
Highboy is usually formal, specialist (furniture/antiques) in register.
Highboy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʌɪbɔɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪˌbɔɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A HIGH piece of furniture for a BOY (or anyone) who needs lots of drawer space high up. It's a high cabinet.
Conceptual Metaphor
VERTICALITY IS CAPACITY/STATUS (A tall piece of furniture holds more and is often more imposing and prestigious).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'highboy'?