Definition

Noun: A tower block is a tall building containing many floors of apartments or offices. It is a British English term for a high-rise building, typically constructed from concrete and steel, designed to house a large number of people or businesses in a vertical structure.

Usage

The term is used as a countable noun to describe a specific type of urban residential or commercial building. It is most commonly used in British English contexts. - It often carries connotations related to urban planning, density, and sometimes socio-economic conditions. - It refers to the building itself as a single, freestanding structure.

Examples

• The city's skyline is dominated by several new tower blocks.
• They live on the 15th floor of a tower block in East London.
• The old tower block is scheduled for demolition next year.
• Many post-war tower blocks were built to address housing shortages.

Advanced Usage

• Tower block can be part of compound nouns specifying its use, such as "residential tower block" or "office tower block."
• In urban studies and architecture, the term is used to discuss the history, design, and social impact of such buildings.

Variants and Related Words

• High-rise (noun): The American English equivalent term for a tall building with many floors.
• Skyscraper (noun): Typically refers to an exceptionally tall, continuously habitable high-rise building, often more iconic or commercial than a standard tower block.
• Multi-storey building (noun): A more general term for any building with several floors.

Synonyms

• High-rise
• Apartment block (specifically for residential use)
• Multi-storey building

Antonyms

• Low-rise
• Bungalow
• Detached house

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Tower block estate: A group or complex of tower blocks, often with shared grounds or facilities.
• Tower block living: Refers to the experience or lifestyle of residing in a tower block.
• Concrete tower block: Emphasizes the common construction material of such buildings, especially those built in the mid-20th century.

Noun

1. tower consisting of a multistoried building of offices or apartments
   • `tower block' is the British term for `high-rise'