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

Whisenant had frequently posted about his adventures across the Sierra Nevada, not only rock climbing but also skiing, biking and camping across the mountains, according to his Instagram page.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026

In a season when rock climbing, backpacking and shooting the rapids are popular, maybe our reading would benefit from going big.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 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

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

From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2026

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