Tall

Tall is an adjective describing something with greater vertical extent or height than is typical for its context. It is a relative term used across many domains, including people, buildings, trees, and landscapes. The precise meaning of tall depends on the object being compared and the reference group, making universal thresholds uncommon.

In people, height is a measurable attribute that varies with age, sex, geography, and genetics. What counts as tall for one population may be average or short for another; no single global standard defines tall adult height. In statistical terms, tall can be described relative to a population’s height distribution, such as above a chosen percentile.

In architecture, engineering, and nature, tall describes objects that extend well above their surroundings. A tall building rises conspicuously compared with nearby structures; a tall tree reaches heights far beyond the average for its species or forest. The use of tall thus often implies prominence or visibility.

Common phrases reflect cultural usage. In idioms, tall tales are exaggerated stories; a tall order refers to something difficult to fulfill. In descriptive speech, tall can appear with descriptors of build, such as tall and lanky or tall and broad, and is often contrasted with short.