1
: in or to a higher place
They stood under the tree and looked at the branches above. [=overhead]
The stars shone above. [=in the sky]
The stairs lead above [=upstairs] to the bedrooms.
up above and down below
Note: The opposite of every sense of above is below.
2
: in or to a higher rank or number
Students in the grade above [=in the next grade] study algebra.
Groups of six and above [=of six or more] need reservations.
a game that is suitable for children at/of age 10 and above [=older]
3
: above zero
Temperatures range from 5 below to 5 above.
4
: higher, further up, or earlier on the same page or on a preceding page : at a previous point in the same document
Write to us at the address shown above. [=at the above address]
Except as noted above, all the information can be verified.
the person named above = the above-named person
1
: in or to a higher place than (something) : over
He raised his arms above his head.
They hung a mirror above the mantel.
We rented an apartment above a restaurant.
2
: greater in number, quantity, or size than (something) : more than (something)
Temperatures were above average all week.
men above 50 years old
3
a
: to a greater degree or extent than (something)
She values her private time above her fame.
b
: in a higher or more important position than (something)
He puts his child's needs above his own.
4
: having more importance or power than (someone) : having a higher rank than (someone)
A captain is above a lieutenant. [=a captain outranks a lieutenant]
Who is above him in that department?
5
: too important for (something) : not able to be affected by (something)
She thinks that she's above criticism/suspicion. [=that she cannot be criticized/suspected]
6
: too good for (some type of behavior, work, etc.)
I thought you were above lying to people. [=I thought such dishonest behavior was beneath you]
He was not above cheating when it served his purposes. [=he would cheat when it served his purposes]
Does she think she's above that kind of work? [=does she think that kind of work is beneath her?]
7
: more loudly and clearly than (another sound)
I heard the whistle above [=over] the roar of the crowd.
: mentioned at an earlier point in the same document : written above
You can contact me at the above address. [=at the address shown above]
Cite this Entry
“Above.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/above. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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