rock climbing

American  

noun

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

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• rock climber
  noun

Etymology

Origin of rock climbing

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

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

For a thrill-inducing date, consider taking your girlfriend to a rock climbing gym.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

She had a feeling Alex mightn’t be very good at rock climbing in the dark.

From "Nim’s Island" by Wendy Orr

Related Words

• mountain climbing
• mountaineering