clamber

American  

[klam-ber, klam-er] / ˈklæm bər, ˈklæm ər /

verb (used with or without object)

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

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noun

1. an act or instance of clambering.

clamber British  

/ ˈklæmbə /

verb

1. to climb (something) awkwardly, esp by using both hands and feet

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noun

1. a climb performed in this manner

Other Word Forms

• clamberer noun

Etymology

Origin of clamber

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

Example Sentences

Its use exploded, and venture capitalists clambered to invest.

From The Wall Street Journal

Already the men were being prodded aboard, clambering up over the high sides.

From Literature

Driver Andriy, 53, is one of the first Ukrainian faces many of the freed soldiers see as they clamber onto his bus.

From Barron's

Fluffy cubs clambering over him: the newest cub in the litter.

From Literature

She was up instantly, clambering and working to get back up on top of the ice next to the hole.

From Literature

Related Words

• climb