climber

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   a person who climbs mountains, rocks, or other high places as a sport or activity

   Grammar: Countable noun; use 'a climber' or 'climbers'.

   Patterns

   • a skilled climber
   • a mountain climber
   • a rock climber

   The climber reached the top of the cliff after hours of effort.

   Experienced climbers always check their equipment before starting.

   She is a keen climber and spends every weekend in the mountains.

2. 2nouncountable

   a plant that grows upward by attaching itself to a surface or winding around a support

   Grammar: Countable noun; often used with 'fast-growing' or 'vigorous'.

   Patterns

   • a climbing plant
   • a fast-growing climber
   • grow a climber

   Ivy is a common climber that can cover walls quickly.

   We planted a climber to hide the old fence.

   This climber needs a trellis to support its growth.

Word forms

Common combinations

mountain climber

The mountain climber prepared for the dangerous ascent.

rock climber

Rock climbers use special shoes for better grip.

social climber

He was accused of being a social climber who only cared about status.

fast-growing climber

This fast-growing climber will cover the wall in one season.

Synonyms and how they differ

mountaineer

Specifically a person who climbs mountains as a sport; more formal and narrower than 'climber'.

creeper

A plant that grows along the ground or up walls, but often used for plants that spread horizontally rather than climb.

Word family

climb verb

To go up something, such as a mountain or ladder.

climbing noun

The sport or activity of climbing mountains or rocks.

Commonly confused: climber or clamber?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “climber”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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