Highland refers to land that is elevated and mountainous, often with rugged terrain and cooler temperatures than the surrounding lowlands. The Scottish Highlands are perhaps the most famous example: a dramatic region of steep mountains, deep valleys, and misty moors in northern Scotland. These areas shaped how people lived for centuries, as highlanders developed distinct ways of farming, building homes, and even speaking.

Highland regions exist all over the world. Ethiopia's highlands, for instance, rise thousands of feet above sea level and have rich volcanic soil. Mexico's highland plateau sits between two mountain ranges and includes Mexico City. These elevated areas often have different climates than nearby lowlands: cooler air, more rainfall, and sometimes snow even in tropical countries.

The word captures both elevation and character. Highland areas tend to be remote, harder to reach, and less populated than flatter regions. They often become places where old traditions survive longer, partly because the mountains themselves create natural barriers. When someone refers to highland culture or highland traditions, they're usually talking about the distinctive customs that developed in these elevated regions.