Clambering: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about climbing with difficulty, often involving the use of both hands and feet.

• He was clambering up the steep, rocky slope.
• The children were clambering over the jungle gym.

A general term for ascending something, which can be anything from a hill to a ladder.

• She decided to climb the mountain this weekend.
• The cat likes to climb the tree in our backyard.

Often used when referring to climbing something tall or challenging, like a mountain or a wall. Conveys a sense of achievement.

• They plan to scale the north face of the mountain.
• He scaled the wall to escape the courtyard.

Describes a way of climbing that involves a lot of effort and urgency, often on hands and knees or over rough terrain.

• We had to scramble over the rocks to reach the peak.
• She scrambled up the embankment to get a better view.

Used when describing someone moving awkwardly or with difficulty, usually over rough terrain or an obstacle. It often conveys a sense of effort or struggle.

• She spent the afternoon clambering over the rocks by the beach.
• The children were clambering up the steep hill.

Used in a general sense when moving upward, whether it be hiking, ascending stairs, or scaling a mountain. It doesn't necessarily imply difficulty.

• She decided to climb the mountain over the weekend.
• The firefighters climbed the ladder to rescue the cat.

Used when describing someone or something moving on hands and knees or when an animal or person is moving slowly along the ground. It can have a more negative or less dignified connotation in some contexts.

• The baby started to crawl across the room.
• After the fall, he had to crawl to safety.

Used when someone is moving quickly but not gracefully, typically over rough or steep terrain. It suggests a hurry or urgency and might imply some difficulty.

• They scrambled up the rocky path to get a better view.
• She scrambled to gather her papers as the wind picked up.