# Alps

/ˈæɫps/ (US) · /ˈælps/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alps
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. European mountain range

noun · CEFR A2

the high mountains in central Europe, famous for snow, skiing, and beautiful scenery.

For teachers: the primary mountain system of Western Europe, stretching approximately 1,200 kilometres across eight countries.

- We spent our winter holiday skiing in the Alps.
- The Alps provide a natural geographic barrier between the Mediterranean climate of Italy and the temperate regions of Central Europe.

Usage: Always used with the definite article 'the' and treated as a plural noun.

### 2. high mountains in general

noun · CEFR B2

any very high mountains that look like the ones in Europe.

For teachers: high, snow-capped mountains resembling the European Alps; often used in the names of other ranges.

- The Southern Alps in New Zealand are famous for their dramatic peaks.
- Geologists often compare the tectonic activity of the Japanese Alps with that of their European namesakes.

Usage: Often capitalized when part of a specific name, such as the 'Southern Alps' in New Zealand.

## Examples

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.