skyline

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "skyline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts to refer to the outline of buildings and other structures against the sky, whether in a city or in any other setting. For example: "I love looking out at the skyline on a summer evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shanghai's Pudong boasts a 21st century skyline of bubbles, crowns and globes.

The Guardian

The Cheesegrater, in fact, is the reverse of the Gherkin, which looks good on the skyline but gets dumber as you get closer.

The Guardian - Arts

Flames from construction scaffolding around the bell tower, which has been under renovation, rose high above the Moscow skyline as firefighters struggled to protect one of the city's most beloved landmarks.

The Guardian

Her favourite place in the city is Treasure Island, above the Bay Bridge, with the bridge lights and traffic below and the entire San Francisco skyline to the right.

The Guardian

I have never been moved to tears by a skyline, or a building, or a painted arch, but the sudden apparition of a peak from behind a sheet of mist is enough, now, to make me cry.

The Guardian - Books

We sunbathed on the roof terrace with views of the dusty city skyline; practised yoga in the riad's courtyard under a shady palm tree; had an introduction to reiki in the salon; and were scrubbed and pummelled in the hammam.

The Guardian - Travel

It feels as if the perspective of an earlier age has been reinstated – with the great dome dominating the skyline as it must have done for centuries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, the best views are from the Jeddah-Mecca Highway, where the clocktower appears to rear out of the barren landscape in such an outlandish fashion it looks as if it has been drawn on to the skyline.

The Guardian - Arts

Belfast's skyline has been transformed as new office buildings, apartments and industries cluster the city's waterfront.

The Guardian

Later taken to a police station, Nesbitt ultimately got out of the situation unharmed, he remembered, because his schoolteacher father and pediatrician uncle were well respected in their Lawndale neighborhood – where, then as now, the red brick towers and warehouse complex now known as the Homan Square police facility marks the skyline.

The Guardian

This massive scheme will comprise the greatest intrusion imaginable on the London skyline.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skyline" to vividly depict the visual impact of buildings or structures against the horizon. It's particularly effective in descriptions aiming to evoke a sense of place or urban character.

Common error

While "skyline" can technically be used as a verb (to outline something against the sky), this usage is rare. Stick to using it as a noun to avoid awkward or unnatural phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "skyline" is as a noun, referring to the outline of buildings or natural features seen against the sky. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage, solidifying its role as a descriptive element within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Travel

20%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "skyline" is a versatile noun used to describe the outline of buildings or natural features against the sky. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical usage is straightforward and correct. It is frequently employed in news, travel, and art-related contexts to vividly depict urban landscapes or natural vistas. While technically usable as a verb, it's best reserved as a noun to avoid awkward phrasing. Related terms like "cityscape" and ""urban skyline"" offer similar descriptive power, allowing for nuanced expression depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urban skyline

Highlights that the skyline is part of an urban environment.

cityscape

Focuses specifically on the urban landscape, emphasizing the city's visual appearance.

the city's outline

Focuses on the boundary or shape that the city creates.

city silhouette

Emphasizes the dark shape of the city's buildings against a lighter background.

metropolitan horizon

Highlights the scope of the horizon and makes it specific to a city.

horizon line of buildings

More descriptive, referring specifically to the line created by buildings on the horizon.

building profile against the sky

Focuses on the architectural features that are visible against the sky.

the vista of the city

Replaces 'skyline' with 'vista', indicating a comprehensive view of the urban area.

city's architectural vista

Emphasizes the architectural elements of the city in its view.

the urban panorama

Indicates a wide, unbroken view of the cityscape.

FAQs

How to use "skyline" in a sentence?

The word "skyline" is used to describe the outline of buildings, mountains, or other structures against the sky. For example, "The city's "urban skyline" is constantly changing with new construction".

What can I say instead of "skyline"?

You can use alternatives like "cityscape", ""urban skyline"", or "city silhouette" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "skyline" or "horizon"?

"Skyline" refers to the outline of buildings or other structures against the sky, while "horizon" is the line at which the earth and sky appear to meet. They are not interchangeable.

What makes a "skyline" iconic?

An iconic "skyline" often features distinctive buildings or landmarks that are easily recognizable and representative of a particular city or region, creating a unique and memorable visual identity.