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

See Examples For:

rock climbing

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

It is a grade 1 scramble, which means it involves elements of rock climbing and scrambling.

From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2026

Honnold has been climbing buildings since he was 6, long before he started rock climbing, he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 23, 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

The wall behind the counter is half sunset orange, half midnight blue, and there are framed photos of people doing different activities, like rock climbing and surfing.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

Related Words

• mountain climbing
• mountaineering