ENGLISH
REFERENCE

climber

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈkɫaɪmɝ// UK //klˈaɪmɐ// climber Archaic Vulgar

n. a person who climbs mountains, rocks, or walls for sport or as a job. It can also mean a plant that grows upward by attaching itself to a wall or fence.

n. a person who ascends mountains, rock faces, or artificial walls for recreation or profession; alternatively, a plant that grows upward by clinging to a support.


SIMPLE

The climber reached the top of the mountain at noon.

CONTEXTUAL

Rescue teams were called in after a solo climber became stranded on a steep ledge during a sudden snowstorm.

COMPLEX

While professional climbers often seek out the most challenging vertical faces, amateur enthusiasts may prefer indoor climbing gyms to build the necessary grip strength and technical skill.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

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).

Etymology 2

From climb + -er (frequentative suffix); or a blend of climb + clamber.

Usage

Commonly used in compound nouns like 'mountain climber' or 'social climber'.

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