highland

1 of 2

noun

high·​land ˈhī-lənd 

: elevated or mountainous land

highland

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of or relating to a highland

2

capitalized : of or relating to the Highlands of Scotland

Synonyms

Noun

• altitude(s)
• elevation
• eminence
• height
• hill
• hump
• mound
• prominence
• rise
• upland

Examples of highland in a Sentence

Noun

there are permanent glaciers in the cool, humid highlands of the Pacific Northwest

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Now, archaeologists for the first time have mapped these intriguing highland strongholds in the country’s southeast — once a key crossroad of ancient silk trade routes — that were inexplicably abandoned. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 23 Oct. 2024

These western–North Carolina highlands, largely protected from extensive mining extraction, would protect me and the others who call them home. —Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2024

Adjective

The highland town is surrounded by lush countryside in northern Sulawesi, home to the Minahasa people and an amazing diversity of wildlife. —The Economist, 26 May 2020

Under four miles, the easy trail rings a highland lake that reflects the steep and treeless mountains surrounding it. —Elaine Glusac, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

highland

1 of 2 noun

high·​land ˈhī-lənd 

: elevated or mountainous land

highland

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of or relating to a highland

2

capitalized : of or relating to the Highlands of Scotland

Geographical Definition

Highland

geographical name

High·​land ˈhī-lənd 

1

city in southeastern California east of San Bernardino population 53,104

2

town in northwestern Indiana south of Hammond population 23,727

3

administrative area of northern Scotland bordering the North Sea and the Atlantic area 9806 square miles (25,398 square kilometers), population 232,132