highland

highland — adjective

1. located in or belonging to a region of hills or mountains, where the land is hig

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

located in or belonging to a region of hills or mountains, where the land is higher than the surrounding country.

Example

The village sits on highland terrain with cooler air than the valley below.

highland terrain: noun + noun compound

Farmers in this region raise sheep on the highland pastures during the summer months.

Common collocations
  • highland terrain
  • highland region
  • highland area
  • highland plateau
  • highland village
  • highland pasture
Synonyms
  • mountainous

    broader term; 'mountainous' can describe land with steep peaks, while 'highland' suggests a plateau or elevated region.

  • upland

    more technical in geography; 'upland' is often used in contrast with 'lowland' in scientific writing.

  • alpine

    specifically refers to high mountain regions above the tree line, narrower in scope than 'highland'.

Antonyms
  • lowland

    refers to land at or near sea level, the opposite of highland terrain.

Usage Note

This sense is typically used before a noun (attributive position). It describes general mountainous areas anywhere in the world, not just Scotland.

2. connected with the mountainous region in northern Scotland that is known as the

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

connected with the mountainous region in northern Scotland that is known as the Highlands, especially its culture, landscape, or traditions.

Example

The couple spent their honeymoon exploring the Highland glens and lochs of northern Scotland.

Highland glens / Highland lochs: geography-specific collocations

A Highland pipe band in tartan kilts marched through the village square during the festival.

Highland pipe band: typical cultural compound

Common collocations
  • Highland games
  • Highland dress
  • Highland landscape
  • Highland glen
  • Highland loch
  • Highland tradition
  • Highland clan

Usage Note

When referring to the Scottish Highlands, 'Highland' is often capitalised. This sense appears in fixed cultural terms such as 'Highland games', 'Highland dress', and 'Highland dancing'.

3. describing a hardy breed of cattle with long, shaggy hair and long horns that wa

3.adjectiveB2
Definition

describing a hardy breed of cattle with long, shaggy hair and long horns that was originally raised in the Scottish Highlands.

Example

The farmer keeps a herd of Highland cattle that thrive in cold weather.

Highland cattle: fixed compound noun

Highland cows are known for their long, shaggy coats and impressive curved horns.

Common collocations
  • Highland cow
  • Highland cattle
  • Highland bull
  • Highland calf
  • Highland beef

Usage Note

Always capitalised and used as part of a compound noun (Highland cow, Highland cattle, Highland bull). This sense does not appear on its own.

highland — noun

Word family

  • highlands
    noun (plural)B2
  • Highlander
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

While all four terms describe elevated terrain, they differ in shape and scale. 'Highland' refers broadly to any elevated land, often implying a region of hills or low mountains rather than a single peak — it is the most general term. 'Plateau' specifies a large, flat area of high ground with steep sides, emphasising flatness rather than elevation generally. 'Upland' is a technical geography term often paired with 'lowland' in climate or soil descriptions; it suggests moderate elevation rather than dramatic peaks. 'Mountainous region' draws attention to steep slopes and prominent peaks rather than overall elevation. For example, the Ethiopian highlands are a vast, varied region of plateaus and valleys, not a single mountain range. A travel writer would call the area a 'highland' for its general elevation, but a geologist might identify specific 'plateaus' within it.

highland ↗plateauuplandmountainous region

Common collocations

Nouns

  • highland region
  • highland area
  • highland terrain
  • highland landscape
  • highland cattle
  • highland games

Phrases

  • the Scottish Highlands
  • the highlands of ...
  • Highland cow
  • Highland dress

Prepositions

  • in the highlands
  • of the highlands
  • across the highlands
  • on the highlands

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'highland' comes from Old English 'hēah land', a straightforward compound meaning 'high land'. The term was used for centuries as a general geographical description before it became closely associated with the mountainous region of northern Scotland. The capitalised form 'Highlands' for the Scottish region became established in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the cattle breed named after the region appeared in the 19th century.