rock climbing

American  

noun

1. the sport of climbing sheer rocky surfaces on the sides of mountains, often with the aid of special equipment.

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rock climbing British  

noun

1. the technique and sport of climbing on steep rock faces, usually with ropes and other equipment and as part of a team or pair

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Other Word Forms

• rock climber noun

Etymology

Origin of rock climbing

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

He is married with three children and enjoys sailing, rock climbing and mountain biking.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

In fact, your guide probably has had no direct knowledge of—or even personal interest in—sunbathing on the Gulf Coast, rock climbing in Moab, or marveling at the architecture of Milan.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

Fourteen-year-old Estella spends her weekdays studying Spanish, rock climbing or learning acupuncture in her living room as part of her homeschooling since she left China's gruelling public school system.

From Barron's • Dec. 30, 2025

While he does sport Arc’teryx when he goes rock climbing, a hobby he picked up in the last couple of years, mostly he just wears it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 6, 2025

And I’ll go rock climbing with Luna, Avery, Eliana, and Jade after Jade gets back next week, and I’ll go to cross-country preseason the week after that.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• mountain climbing
• mountaineering