# climber

/ˈkɫaɪmɝ/ (US) · /klˈaɪmɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. person who climbs

noun · CEFR A2

a person who climbs mountains or rocks as a hobby or sport.

For teachers: a person who ascends mountains, cliffs, or rock faces, typically for recreation or as a professional athlete.

- The rescue team reached the stranded climber just before the storm hit.
- Experienced climbers often prefer the north face of the mountain because the technical difficulty provides a more significant challenge.

### 2. climbing plant

noun · CEFR B1

a plant that grows upwards by clinging to a wall, fence, or another plant.

For teachers: a plant that grows upwards by using tendrils, hooks, or aerial roots to attach itself to a supporting structure.

- We planted a fast-growing climber to cover the old wooden fence.
- The gardener recommended a hardy climber like ivy to provide year-round greenery on the shaded brick wall.

### 3. social climber

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person who tries very hard to become part of a higher social class or a more powerful group.

For teachers: a person who attempts to gain a higher social position or status, often through calculated networking or marriage.

- He was known as a social climber who only invited wealthy people to his parties.
- The novel satirises the local elite and the desperate social climbers who mimic their manners in hopes of being accepted into the inner circle.

## Examples

- The climber reached the top of the mountain at noon.
- Rescue teams were called in after a solo climber became stranded on a steep ledge during a sudden snowstorm.
- 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.

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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.