supertall: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “supertall” mean?
Extremely tall, specifically applied to buildings (usually skyscrapers) exceeding a certain height threshold, commonly 300 meters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Extremely tall, specifically applied to buildings (usually skyscrapers) exceeding a certain height threshold, commonly 300 meters.
Can be used informally or hyperbolically to describe any object or structure that is perceived as exceptionally tall relative to its category.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used in both varieties, primarily in international architectural discourse.
Connotations
Connotes modernity, engineering ambition, and urban density. Can have negative connotations related to environmental impact or social inequality.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the prevalence of skyscraper construction, but established in British English media and professional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “supertall” in a Sentence
[be] supertall[be] a supertall [building][construct/build/design] a supertallVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supertall” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- The building was designed supertall to maximise views.
- (Rare and non-standard)
American English
- They built it supertall, breaking several records.
- (Rare and non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The new supertall tower will reshape London's skyline.
- Planning permission for a supertall structure is contentious.
American English
- They are proposing a supertall building in downtown Chicago.
- The city's zoning laws were changed to allow supertall developments.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in real estate marketing, investment reports, and urban development proposals.
Academic
Used in papers on structural engineering, urban studies, and sustainable architecture.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used when discussing city skylines or notable new buildings.
Technical
A formal classification in architecture, with specific criteria defined by bodies like the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supertall”
- Using it to describe people or natural features (e.g., 'a supertall tree' is non-standard).
- Confusing it with 'high' for abstract concepts (e.g., 'supertall prices' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) defines a 'supertall' as a building over 300 metres (984 feet) in height.
No, it is a technical term almost exclusively for human-made structures, particularly buildings. Using it for natural features is non-standard and journalistic hyperbole at best.
It is typically written as one word (supertall), though you may occasionally see the hyphenated form 'super-tall', especially in older texts.
The next classification is 'megatall', for buildings over 600 metres (e.g., the Burj Khalifa).
Extremely tall, specifically applied to buildings (usually skyscrapers) exceeding a certain height threshold, commonly 300 meters.
Supertall is usually technical/journalistic in register.
Supertall: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpətɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpɚˌtɔːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to join/enter/break into] the supertall club (referring to buildings over 300m)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a building so tall it wears a superhero cape (SUPERman) – it's a SUPER-TALL building.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEIGHT IS ACHIEVEMENT / AMBITION (e.g., 'The city's ambition is embodied in its supertall skyline.')
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'supertall' most precisely defined?