1
a
: in the sky : overhead
the clouds above
b
: in or to heaven
2
a
: in or to a higher place
b
: higher on the same page or on a preceding page
except as stated above
c
: upstairs
d
: above zero
10 degrees above
3
: in or to a higher rank or number
30 and above
4
archaic
: in addition : besides
5
: upstage
1
a
: in or to a higher place than : over
a room above the store
b
: upriver of
anchored about 10 miles above the city
2
a
: superior to (as in rank, quality, or degree)
A sergeant is above a corporal.
b
: out of reach of
above suspicion
c
: in preference to
puts his child's needs above his own needs
d
: too proud or honorable to stoop to
not above taking undue credit
3
: exceeding in number, quantity, or size : more than
men above 50 years old
4
: as distinct from and in addition to
heard the whistle above the roar of the crowd
plural above
1
a
: something that is above
Select one of the above.
b
: a person whose name is written above
Contact any of the above for more information.
2
a
: a higher authority
b
: heaven
Using Above as an Adjective or Noun: Usage Guide
Although still objected to by some, the use of above as a noun to mean "something that is above"
none of the above
the above is Theseus's opinion
—William Blake
and as an adjective
without the above reserve
—O. W. Holmes †1935
I was brought up on the above words
—Viscount Montgomery
has been long established as standard.
: written or discussed higher on the same page or on a preceding page
Contact me at the above address.
Cite this Entry
“Above.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/above. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
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