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

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Etymology

Origin of rock climbing

First recorded in 1840–45

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rock climbing

Olympic rock climbing champion Toby Roberts - who won gold in the boulder and lead event at Paris 2024 - was also made an MBE on Tuesday.

From BBC ● May 5, 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

After a rock climbing accident puts Daniel into a coma, Laura convinces Cherry that he’s dead.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 17, 2025

Getting to the port rail was more like rock climbing than walking, but finally they made it.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan

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Related Words

• mountain climbing
• mountaineering

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