Skyline/ˈskaɪlaɪn/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Urban Landscapes Skyline refers to the unique visual profile of a city as seen from a distance. She admired the Chicago skyline from the shore of Lake Michigan. Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Potential Can signify growth or change when discussing cities or progress. The tech boom altered the city's skyline with new skyscrapers. Pro Tip 3/3Visual Icon A city's skyline is often used in media to instantly convey location. Postcards from Seattle often feature the Space Needle's iconic skyline.