Definition

Noun: A famous freestanding bell tower (campanile) in Pisa, Italy, known for its unintended and visible tilt from the perpendicular. Its construction began in 1174.

Usage

The term "leaning tower" is a proper noun used specifically to refer to this iconic architectural landmark. It is almost always used with the definite article "the."

Examples

• The Leaning Tower is one of the most recognizable structures in the world.
• We climbed the 294 steps to the top of the Leaning Tower.
• The tilt of the Leaning Tower is due to an unstable foundation.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is sometimes used generically (without capitalization) to describe any tower that is not vertical, though this is less common.
  • The old church had a small leaning tower on its property.

Variants and Related Words

• Campanile: The architectural term for a freestanding bell tower, often associated with Italian churches.
• Tower of Pisa: Another common name for the same structure.

Synonyms

• (There are no true synonyms for this specific proper noun. Descriptive phrases include:) the tilted tower of Pisa; the campanile of Pisa.

Related Phrases

• Leaning Tower of Pisa: The full and most precise name of the structure.

Noun

1. a tall round marble campanile in Pisa that is not perpendicular; construction was begun in 1174