climber
- 01 A2 Elementary
a person who climbs mountains or rocks as a hobby or sport.
a person who ascends mountains, cliffs, or rock faces, typically for recreation or as a professional athlete.
Simple“The rescue team reached the stranded climber just before the storm hit.”
In context“Experienced climbers often prefer the north face of the mountain because the technical difficulty provides a more significant challenge.”
Synonymsmountaineerrock climber - 02 B1 Intermediate
a plant that grows upwards by clinging to a wall, fence, or another plant.
a plant that grows upwards by using tendrils, hooks, or aerial roots to attach itself to a supporting structure.
Simple“We planted a fast-growing climber to cover the old wooden fence.”
In context“The gardener recommended a hardy climber like ivy to provide year-round greenery on the shaded brick wall.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a person who tries very hard to become part of a higher social class or a more powerful group.
a person who attempts to gain a higher social position or status, often through calculated networking or marriage.
Simple“He was known as a social climber who only invited wealthy people to his parties.”
In context“The novel satirises the local elite and the desperate social climbers who mimic their manners in hopes of being accepted into the inner circle.”
Synonymscareeristopportunist
From Middle English climber, clymber, clymbare (“one who climbs, climber”), from climben (“to climb; to ascend, fly upward, rise; to slope upwards; to approach God in prayer; to advance; to overcome, triumph; to aspire; to be presumptuous”) + -er, -ere (suffix forming agent nouns). The English word is analysable as climb (verb) + -er (suffix forming agent nouns).
From climb + -er (frequentative suffix); or a blend of climb + clamber.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.