higher; highest
1
a
: rising or extending upward a great distance
high mountains/peaks
a high [=tall] building
a high fly ball
b
: extending or reaching upward more than other things of the same kind
high boots
a high collar
a high fence
high [=tall] grass
c
: located far above the ground or another surface
high clouds/altitudes
The sun was high [=far above the horizon] in the eastern sky.
The apartment has high ceilings.
The cat was found high (up) in the tree.
The airplane was high above the clouds.
d
: having a specified height
The bush is six feet high.
a building 100 stories high
The grass was knee-high. [=the grass reached a person's knees]
waist-high water
e
always used before a noun
: rising above surrounding land
They have a home in the high country.
the high plains
The houses are built on high ground.
2
a
: greater than usual in amount, number, or degree
They were traveling at a high (rate of) speed. = They were traveling at high speed.
They reached speeds as high as 100 mph.
He's being treated for high blood pressure.
high cholesterol
a high fever
She earns a high salary.
high anxiety
high heat/humidity/temperatures
high interest rates
high intelligence
His books are in high demand.
We liked the house, but the price was too high.
He has received high praise for his efforts to help the homeless.
They are paying him a high compliment.
b
: near or at the top of a range
Temperatures were in the high 80s. [=were around 87-89]
c
: having more than the usual or average amount of something
—often used in combination
a high-calorie diet
high-sodium foods
a high-risk investment
3
a
: very favorable
He holds you in high regard/esteem. = He has a high opinion of you. [=he thinks highly of you; he regards you favorably]
They started their trip with high hopes/expectations. [=they started their trip hoping/expecting that it would go well]
Hopes are high that the strike will be settled soon.
All the children were in high spirits [=were very happy and excited] on the last day of school.
b
: very good
We manufacture products of high quality.
He got high marks/grades throughout college.
high morale
Our vacation ended on a high note. [=it ended in a pleasant or enjoyable way]
Our trip to the museum was the high point [=the most enjoyable part] of our vacation.
c
: morally good
She is a woman of high character.
high ideals/principles
high standards of conduct
4
: above others in power, importance, etc.
high officials = officials of high rank = high-ranking officials
The decision will be reviewed by a higher court.
Losing weight is a high priority for him.
He has friends in high places. [=he has friends who have power and influence]
He is high on the list of possible candidates for the job. [=he is considered to be a very good choice for the job]
5
: not low in sound
a high voice
: occurring near the top of the musical scale
a high note
6
always used before a noun
: very strong or forceful
high winds/explosives
7
: having qualities that appeal to intelligent people
high art
high comedy
8
always used before a noun
: filled with the most activity
The rates at the resort are more expensive during (the) high season. [=the season when it is most busy or popular]
The town is filled with tourists in high summer. [=in the middle of summer]
9
always used before a noun
: of or relating to people who have a lot of money and spend it on travel, good food, etc. : rich and luxurious
high society/living
the high life
10
: very exciting or intense
high adventure
The hostage crisis has provided many moments of high drama. [=many highly dramatic moments]
11
of a river, stream, etc.
: rising farther up the banks than usual : having more water than usual
The river is high.
12
not used before a noun informal
: intoxicated by alcohol or drugs
All he wanted to do was to get high.
He was as high as a kite. [=very high; very drunk or intoxicated]
—often + onHe was high on cocaine.
higher; highest
1
: at or to a high place or level
The painter climbed high on the ladder.
The hawks were circling high in the air/sky.
The letters were stacked high on the table.
a high-flying airplane
If you want to be successful, you have to aim high. [=you have to be ambitious]
2
: at a high rate
Don't value yourself too high. [=highly]
a high-paid lawyer
3
: at a high price
buy low and sell high
4
informal
: in a rich manner : in the manner of people who have and spend a lot of money
He is living pretty high.
plural highs
1
: a high point or level
Oil prices reached a new high last winter.
an all-time/record high
She achieved a career high in points [=she scored more points than she ever had before] in last night's game.
The high [=the highest temperature] today was 75.
The forecast is for showers with highs in the 70s.
He talked about the highs and lows [=the good parts and bad parts] of his college years.
2
US
: a gear that is used for faster speeds of travel in a vehicle
He shifted into high.
called also (US) high gear
3
informal
: a state of intoxication produced by a drug
The high only lasted a few minutes.
4
weather
: an area of high atmospheric pressure
A strong high brought clear skies and warm temperatures.
Cite this Entry
“High.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/high. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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