skyscraper

noun

Etymology: Compound of sky + scraper, first applied to tall steel-frame buildings in American cities such as New York City and Chicago in the 1880s.

1. A very tall building with a large number of floors.

   “The fact that land is a commodity of unlimited extent in America, together with the now appreciated fact that most high buildings have been economic failures, spell the doom of the skyscraper concept.”

   “As the curve of Sandy Hook blotted from sight the last, low glimpse of the skyscrapers which point Manhattan, Blake touched Annette's arm.”

2. A small sail atop a mast of a ship; a triangular skysail.

   “Skyscraper. A name given to a skysail when it is triangular.”

3. Anything very tall or high.

   “It was no surprise to see Hanley bat a skyscraper out to left.”