noun
tower
TOW-uh
noun
1
A tall, narrow structure, either standing alone or forming part of a larger building.
"The clock tower is visible from most of the town."
"They climbed to the top of the tower for a view of the city."
2
A strong source of support or protection.
"She was a tower of strength for the whole family during the crisis."
verb
1
To be much taller than the people or things nearby.
"The skyscraper towers over the surrounding buildings."
"He towered over his classmates even in primary school."
How to Use Tower
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tall structure, or the act of standing much taller than what's nearby; also used figuratively for a source of great strength.
Common pairings
tower over
tower of strength
clock tower
control tower
Word Forms
towered past tense, towers plural, towers plural, Towers plural, towers singular
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The clock _____ is visible from most of the town.
Etymology
From Old English torr and Old French tour, both ultimately from Latin turris, "a tower."