# mountain

/ˈmaʊntən/ (US) · /mˈaʊntɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mountain
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. natural landform

noun · CEFR A1

a very high hill, much taller than the land around it, often with steep sides.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a large amount

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a very large pile or amount of something.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a difficult task

noun · CEFR B2

a very difficult problem or challenge that you have to deal with.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. large breast

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar

a slang word for a woman's large breast.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- We climbed the mountain during our summer holiday.
- The hikers reached the top of the mountain just as the sun began to set over the valley.
- Geological forces over millions of years pushed the earth's crust upward to form this mountain range, which now serves as a natural border between the two nations.

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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.