climbers

Meanings

1. 1nounpluralbiology

   Plants that grow up walls, trees, or frames by winding or holding on.

   Grammar: The singular is 'climber'; use the plural when talking about several plants or plants in general.

   Patterns

   • climbers grow up something
   • plant climbers

   Ivy and other climbers cover the front of the old school.

   We planted climbers along the fence so they would hide the bins.

   These climbers need a frame to grow up.

2. 2nounpluralsport

   People who climb mountains, rocks, or tall structures as a sport or job.

   Grammar: The singular is 'climber'; use it for one person, 'climbers' for more than one.

   Patterns

   • a group of climbers
   • experienced climbers
   • climbers reach the top

   Two climbers were rescued from the mountain yesterday.

   The climbers checked their ropes before starting up the rock face.

   She joined a club for climbers who meet every weekend.

Word forms

Common combinations

experienced climbers

Only experienced climbers should try this route.

a team of climbers

A team of climbers set off before sunrise.

climbing plants

Climbing plants like ivy can damage old walls.

climbers reach the summit

The climbers reached the summit after six hours.

Synonyms and how they differ

mountaineers

Use 'mountaineers' for people who climb high mountains, not for plants or for indoor climbing.

creepers

'Creepers' are plants that spread along the ground or up surfaces; they often overlap with climbers but focus on creeping growth.

Word family

climb verb

To go up something using hands and feet.

climbing noun

The activity or sport of going up mountains or rocks.

Commonly confused: climbers or clamber?

Practice

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

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