(especially of things that are not living) being a large distance from top to bottom or a long way above the ground, or having the stated distance from top to bottom:
a high building/mountain
high ceilings
It's two and a half metres high and one metre wide.
The corn grew waist-high (= as high as a person's waist) in the fields.
greater than the usual level or amount:
a high level of The job demands a high level of concentration.
He suffers from high blood pressure.
Antique furniture fetches very high prices these days.
She got very high marks in her geography exam.
It's very dangerous to drive at high speed when the roads are wet.
He's in a high-security prison.
having power, an important position, or great influence:
an officer of high rank
near or at the top of the range of sounds:
I can't reach the high notes.
(of food) smelling bad and no longer good to eat:
This meat is rather high - I'm going to throw it out.
not thinking or behaving normally because of taking drugs:
high on He was high on heroin at the time.
a higher level than has ever been reached previously:
all-time/record high Interest rates have reached an all-time/record high.
a period of extreme excitement or happiness when you feel full of energy, often caused by a feeling of success, or by drugs or alcohol or a religious experience:
Exercise gives you a high.
on a high She's been on a high ever since she got her article published in the Times.
highs and lows There are lots of highs and lows in this job.
informal for high school (when used in the name of a school):
I go to Santa Ana High.
at or to a large distance from the ground:
You'll have to hit the ball quite high to get it over that net.
The new jet flew much higher than most planes.
(esp. of things that are not living) being a large distance from top to bottom or a long way above the ground, or having the stated distance from top to bottom:
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
We had to climb over a wall that was ten feet high.
greater than the usual level:
high standards of quality
high salaries
a high level of concentration
She was driving at high speed on a wet road.
The companies produce high-quality olive oils.
Something's high point is the time when it is the most successful, enjoyable, important, or valuable:
The high point of my week is arriving home from work on a Friday evening.
having power, great influence, or an important position:
He is an officer of high rank.
She has a lot of friends in high places (= in positions of power).
near or at the top of the range of sounds:
Dog whistles play notes that are too high for human beings to hear.
feeling extremely happy, excited, or full of energy:
He was so high after winning the race that he couldn’t sit still.
at or to a large distance from the ground:
The Concorde flies much higher than most airplanes.
a higher level than has ever been reached before:
Interest rates have reached an all-time high.
a period of extreme excitement or happiness, when you feel full of energy:
There are lots of highs and lows in this job.
greater than the usual level or amount:
high interest rates/costs/expenses/prices
a high degree/percentage/proportion The research evidence all indicates a high degree of customer satisfaction with the product.
in a position of power, importance, or great influence:
The firm has been propelled from investment banking's third division to its highest rank.
better than the usual quality or standard:
She demanded and achieved high standards from those with whom she worked.
The company stresses speed, low cost, and high quality in its products.
The community has a stable work force, good jobs and a high quality of life.
a higher level than has been reached previously:
Stocks end at new highs for the fourth session in a row.
at or to a position of greater importance or influence:
As she rose higher in the firm she began to clash with other top executives.
at or to more than the usual level or amount:
Interest rates moved higher, in response to signs of an economic rebound.