Brocken

American  

[brok-uhn, brawk-uhn] / ˈbrɒk ən, ˈbrɔk ən /

noun

1. a mountain in N central Germany: the highest peak in the Harz Mountains. 3,745 feet (1,140 meters).

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Brocken British  

/ ˈbrɔkən /

noun

1. a mountain in central Germany: the highest peak of the Harz Mountains; important in German folklore. Height: 1142 m (3747 ft). The Brocken Bow or Brocken Spectre is an atmospheric phenomenon in which an observer, when the sun is low, may see his enlarged shadow against the clouds, often surrounded by coloured lights

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Example Sentences

But during a leisurely hike earlier in the year I also enjoyed a rare weather phenomenon known as a Brocken spectre after summiting Mount Errigal.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2023

There were clear views to the front and a Brocken spectre at the back of the mountain.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2023

The Brocken is cloud or mist-covered for 300 days a year, according to travel website Germany is Wunderbar, and wrapped in old superstitions and fairytales involving witches.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2015

Mrs. Brocken has invited her because she has a guilty recollection of having, in girlhood days, maliciously prevented Tilly from accepting the one marriage offer ever to come her way.

From Time Magazine Archive

They saw in the clouds about them an exaggerated and distorted reflection of themselves, and regarded this Brocken spectre as the controlling power whose activity was the source and explanation of everything.

From The Contemporary Review, Volume 36, September 1879 by Various