tow·er
ˈtau̇(-ə)r 
1
: a building or structure typically higher than its diameter and high relative to its surroundings that may stand apart (such as a campanile) or be attached (such as a church belfry) to a larger structure and that may be fully walled in or of skeleton framework (such as an observation or transmission tower)
3
: one that provides support or protection : bulwark
a tower of strength
4
: a personal computer case that stands in an upright position
towered; towering; towers
1
: to reach or rise to a great height
2
: to exhibit superior qualities : surpass
her intellect towered over the others'
Examples of tower in a Sentence
Noun
a hill from which one can gaze upon the towers of that great and historic city
Verb
that actor's performance towered over all others in the film
Recent Examples on the Web
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
At the Portland meetup, sketchers were gathered in little clusters around the train station, capturing its red bricks and tall clock tower with watercolors, or pen and ink, or colored pencils.
—Deena Prichep, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
That’s when the group attempted its perilous journey back to civilization, in a blinding blizzard beneath towering, avalanche-prone slopes.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tower
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The neighborhood/area Though the tower sits right above the Chicago River, the space between its circular driveway and Lake Michigan is a very posh residential area called Lakeshore East.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
At the Portland meetup, sketchers were gathered in little clusters around the train station, capturing its red bricks and tall clock tower with watercolors, or pen and ink, or colored pencils.
—Deena Prichep, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
The hotel’s signature lush landscaping comes by way of overgrown grasses, flowering bushes, citrus trees, 225 towering palms, an herb garden, and a tunnel of hedges (all kept up by a full-time staff of eight gardeners), meant to give the grounds a South-of-France feel.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
That’s when the group attempted its perilous journey back to civilization, in a blinding blizzard beneath towering, avalanche-prone slopes.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tower
Cite this Entry
“Tower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tower. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tower
1 of 2 noun
tow·er
ˈtau̇(-ə)r
1
: a tall narrow building or structure that may stand by itself or be attached to a larger structure
2
tower
2 of 2 verb
: to reach or rise to a great height
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
