alpinist

or Al·pin·ist

[ al-puh-nist ]

noun

1. a mountain climber, especially in the Alps.
2. a downhill skier, especially one engaging in competitive slalom and downhill events.

alpinist

/ ˈælpɪnɪst /

noun

1. a mountaineer who climbs in medium-sized glaciated mountain areas such as the Alps

Derived Forms

• ˈalpinism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpinist¹

From the French word alpiniste, dating back to 1880–85. See alpine, -ist

Example Sentences

One of those profiled is Californian Giselle Field, 28, who was a mainstay of Arizona’s rock-climbing community as well as a skilled alpinist who marked first ascents in Peru, Alaska, and California.

From Outside Online

This new way could be a game changer for alpinists on the world’s highest peak.

From Outside Online

Plenty of top alpinists and climbers have dialed back—or at least done some serious soul searching about—their most extreme behavior when they become parents.

From Outside Online

The 24,787-foot peak is nestled in Nepal’s Himalaya, and its 7,500-foot southeast ridge has drawn and foiled the world’s leading alpinists for decades.

From Outside Online

The Lifetime Achievement Award was first given to Walter Bonatti in 2009, to acknowledge the impact his career had on the following generations of young alpinists.

From Outside Online

One of the horticulturists to whom I have referred was something of an Alpinist and was married to a Swiss lady.

From Project Gutenberg

But the good Alpinist had a habit of talking as he ate; it was necessary for his health.

From Project Gutenberg

Never within the memory of guides was there seen such an Alpinist.

From Project Gutenberg

The Alpinist was dumfounded, silent—in him the acme of stupefaction.

From Project Gutenberg

A bear is an expert Alpinist; he requires no ice axe and no lantern.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• climber
• mountaineer
• rock climber