Word
mountain
Phoneticsmoun·tain, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmaʊntən/
UK/mˈaʊntɪn/
Definitions
01natural landform
A1 · Beginner Countable noun
n. a very high hill, much taller than the land around it, often with steep sides.
n. a natural elevation of the earth's surface rising more or less abruptly from the surrounding level.
“We spent the whole day hiking up the mountain to see the view.”
“The rugged mountain range formed a natural barrier between the two coastal provinces, effectively isolating their distinct cultural traditions for centuries.”
02a large amount
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a very large pile or amount of something.
n. a large quantity or heap of something, often implying an overwhelming volume.
“I have a mountain of paperwork to finish before I can go home.”
“After the holiday weekend, the logistics team faced a mountain of unprocessed orders that required immediate attention to meet shipping deadlines.”
03a difficult task
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a very difficult problem or challenge that you have to deal with.
n. a figurative representation of a formidable obstacle or a task requiring immense effort to overcome.
“Learning a new language can feel like a mountain at first.”
“The new administration inherited a mountain of debt, making their ambitious social reform agenda significantly harder to implement within the first term.”
04large breast
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Slang · Vulgar
n. a slang word for a woman's large breast.
n. a slang term referring to a large breast; typically used in the plural.
“The comedian made a crude joke about the actress's mountains.”
“The dialogue in the film was criticized for its reliance on dated slang, including several vulgar references to 'mountains' that felt out of place.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of' when describing a large quantity, such as 'a mountain of paperwork'.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
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