alps
n. countablen. a major mountain range in Europe. You usually say 'the Alps' because it refers to the whole group of mountains.
n. a major mountain range in central Europe, extending from France to Austria. Always used with the definite article and in the plural form.
The Alps are very high and snowy.
Many tourists visit the Alps in winter to ski on the slopes.
The rugged peaks of the Alps form a natural barrier that has shaped the climate and culture of central Europe for centuries.
Etymology tree Latin Alpēsder. Middle French Alpesbor. Middle English Alpes English Alps From Middle English Alpes, from Old English Alpis, ultimately from Latin Alpēs; in later use partly via French. Compare German Alpen (“alps”, plurale tantum), German Alp (“mountainous pasture”).