clamber

[ klam-ber, klam-er ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to climb, using both feet and hands; climb with effort or difficulty.

noun

1. an act or instance of clambering.

clamber

/ ˈklæmbə /

verb

1. usually foll byup, over, etc to climb (something) awkwardly, esp by using both hands and feet

noun

1. a climb performed in this manner

Derived Forms

• ˈclamberer, noun

Other Words From

• clamber·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clamber¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English clambren, equivalent to clamb- (akin to climb ) + -r- -er ⁶ + -en infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of clamber¹

C15: probably a variant of climb

Example Sentences

The paleontologists reached it via an hour-long clamber through an underground river.

From Science News For Students

Just gaining entry was difficult, and in many cases firefighters had to clamber up and lower themselves through windows.

From The Daily Beast

We get down on all fours and clamber along a 40-foot fallen log.

From The Daily Beast

We had now at one moment to wade through plains of sand, and the next to clamber over the rocks by wretched paths.

From Project Gutenberg

They were still more surprised when they saw a number of men clamber out from under the float.

From Project Gutenberg

To clamber over the tender into the adjacent waggon was a simple matter.

From Project Gutenberg

He took up a heavy walking-stick, and started to clamber down out of the buggy.

From Project Gutenberg

At last both clamber slowly to an eminence where a long steel pipe has been erected.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• climb