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Climbing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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climbing

[ˈklaɪmɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sport

The activity or sport of ascending mountains or cliffs.

Synonyms

bouldering, mountaineering, rock climbing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
climbing

General term for ascending up something, which could be mountains, rocks, or even trees. It is often used as an umbrella term for various types of climbing activities.

  • She enjoys climbing as a way to stay fit.
  • Climbing the ladder was harder than I expected.
mountaineering

Refers to the sport or activity of mountain climbing. Often includes technical rock climbing, ice climbing, and hiking at high altitudes. Usually involves more equipment and preparation.

  • Mountaineering in the Himalayas is both exhilarating and dangerous.
  • They went mountaineering to summit Mount Kilimanjaro.
rock climbing

Refers to climbing up or across natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. It can be done indoors or outdoors, using ropes and harnesses for safety.

  • Rock climbing requires strength and technique.
  • We spent the day rock climbing at the local gym.
bouldering

Refers to climbing small rock formations or artificial rock walls without ropes or harnesses. It's typically done on lower heights.

  • We spent the weekend bouldering in the park.
  • Bouldering does not need much equipment, just climbing shoes and chalk.

Examples of usage

  • He enjoys climbing in the Alps every summer.
  • She has been practicing climbing for years and is now a skilled climber.
Context #2 | Noun

plants

The act of growing upwards with the help of supports.

Synonyms

creeping, trailing, vining.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
climbing

Used for activities involving ascending or going up, often applied to mountains, ladders, or social status.

  • She enjoys climbing mountains every summer.
  • He has been climbing the corporate ladder for years.
creeping

Typically describes slow, stealthy movement, often with a negative or eerie connotation. Can also describe plant growth.

  • He was creeping through the dark alley.
  • I noticed mold creeping up the walls.
vining

Refers specifically to the growth of vines, plants that climb or sprawl on a support.

  • The tomatoes were vining up the trellis.
  • Her garden is full of vining plants that create a nice canopy.
trailing

Used for following someone or something slowly and at a distance, or for plants that grow along the ground or hang down.

  • The detective was trailing the suspect.
  • The trailing ivy hung beautifully from the balcony.

Examples of usage

  • The climbing plant wrapped itself around the fence.
  • The ivy's climbing up the wall looks beautiful.
Context #3 | Verb

action

To go upward with gradual or continuous progress.

Synonyms

ascend, mount, scale.

Examples of usage

  • They were climbing the stairs to the top floor.
  • The hikers climbed to the summit of the mountain.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports & Recreation

  • Rock climbing became a formally recognized sport in the late 19th century, particularly in the Alps.
  • Bouldering, a type of climbing without ropes at low heights, has gained popularity as both a challenging sport and recreational activity.
  • In 2020, climbing was included in the Olympic Games for the first time, showcasing its global appeal.

Psychological Aspects

  • Climbing can lead to increased confidence and self-esteem as individuals set and achieve personal goals.
  • Research indicates that outdoor climbing reduces anxiety and improves mood, connecting individuals with nature.
  • The mental challenge of climbing often involves problem-solving and strategic thinking, enhancing cognitive skills.

Cultural Significance

  • Climbing holds symbolic meaning in various cultures, representing personal growth, challenges, and overcoming obstacles.
  • Fictional tales and folklore often feature climbing as a metaphor for life's challenges, as characters seek to conquer mountains or towers.
  • Climbing communities often emphasize values such as friendship, support, and environmental stewardship.

Health Benefits

  • Climbing is a full-body workout that enhances strength, flexibility, and endurance through diverse muscle engagement.
  • It fosters cardiovascular fitness as it engages large muscle groups, raising heart rates during climbs.
  • Studies show that climbing can significantly reduce stress levels, promoting overall mental well-being.

Origin of 'climbing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'climb' comes from the Old English 'climban,' which means to climb or ascend.
  • It is related to the Proto-Germanic word 'klimban,' which means to ascend or to rise.
  • The usage of the term in English dates back to at least the 13th century, indicating its long history in language.

The word 'climbing' originated from the Old English word 'climban', meaning 'to rise, ascend'. In the context of sport, climbing has been a popular activity for centuries, with mountaineering expeditions dating back to the 18th century. The concept of climbing plants has also been observed in nature for a long time, with various species using support structures to grow vertically.

See also: climb, climbable, climber, climbworthy.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,036 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.