# cairn

/ˈkɛɹn/ (US) · /kˈeən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cairn
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a pile of stones that people put up to mark a place. You often see these on hills or mountains to help hikers find their way.

For teachers: a pile of stones, typically used as a boundary marker, a memorial, or a navigational aid. Often found in mountainous regions to indicate a safe path or a specific location.

## Examples

- The hikers followed the cairn to the top of the hill.
- After the storm, the climbers rebuilt the cairn to ensure that future visitors could find the trail.
- The ancient cairn served as both a warning to other travelers and a testament to the community's history of navigating the treacherous mountain passes.

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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.