of, pertaining to, on, or part of any lofty mountain.
very high; elevated.
Alpine, of, pertaining to, on, or part of the Alps.
Botany. growing on mountains above the limit of tree growth.
alpine plants.
Often Alpine of or relating to downhill skiing or a competitive downhill skiing event.
Anthropology. Alpine, (no longer in technical use) having the features characteristic of an Alpine.
of or relating to the Alps or their inhabitants
geology
of or relating to an episode of mountain building in the Tertiary period during which the Alps were formed
of or relating to a high mountainous environment heavily modified by glacial erosion
of or relating to high mountains
(of plants) growing on mountains, esp above the limit for tree growth
connected with or used in mountaineering in medium-sized glaciated mountain areas such as the Alps
skiing of or relating to racing events on steep prepared slopes, such as the slalom and downhill Compare nordic
What is Alpine skiing? Alpine is a classification in the sport of skiing that specifically refers to forms of what’s sometimes also called downhill skiing—events that take place on a downhill course with the objective of crossing the finish line in the shortest possible amount of time. The terms Alpine and Alpine skiing are used in contrast with Nordic and Nordic skiing, which includes cross-country skiing and ski jumping. Both alpine and nordic are sometimes left uncapitalized. Alpine events include the slalom, the giant slalom, the super giant slalom (popularly called Super G)—all of which involve a course marked by poles or gates—as well as the event straightforwardly known as downhill, which takes place on a relatively straight downhill course (without gates). All of these are events in the Winter Olympics, grouped under the category officially called Alpine Skiing. There are also Alpine skiing events in the Paralympic Winter Games. The skis used in Alpine skiing differ from those used in Nordic skiing in shape, size, and structure. Example: Of all the Alpine events at the Winter Olympics, my favorite is giant slalom.
First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin Alpīnus, equivalent to Alp(ēs) (plural) “the Alps” + -īnus adjective suffix; see -ine 1
Use the word alpine to describe something that reminds you of high mountains. You could describe the distant clouds in the sky over the plains as "vaguely alpine." A plant or animal that lives in the mountains is alpine, and your summer trip hiking in the Rocky Mountains is also alpine. The kind of skiing that requires a mountain to race down is alpine skiing, and moss that grows at very high altitudes is alpine moss. In fact, if something has to do with tall mountains, it's alpine. The word means "of the Alps," and if Alpine is capitalized, it is referring specifically to the Alps.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Trinity Alps Wilderness, about three hours north of Sacramento, offers hiking trails, waterfalls, alpine lakes and smaller crowds than at popular national parks.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
On the property’s two alpine lakes, you can also take fly-casting lessons or just practice your cast before heading out on the river.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
"These landscapes are changing fast, and arctic and alpine glaciers might be some of the first habitats lost completely to climate change," she said.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026
Supporters promoted it as a way to “counter growing pressures on Swiss schools, infrastructure, and the fragile alpine environment,” Susan Fratzke, senior policy analyst wrote in an email to Barron’s.
From Barron's ● Jun. 19, 2026
Fischer’s assurances notwithstanding, his peripatetic alpine career was rough on his family.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
The new 12.5% tariff on Swiss goods is higher than those for the neighboring European Union, putting the Alpine nation at a competitive disadvantage, according to business groups.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
Legs revolt and take Mediterranean holidays when they’re supposed to be conquering Alpine passes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
The Alpine nation reached 39C, surpassing the previous June record by more than 2C.
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
The new consecrations are set to take place near the society's seminary in Econe, a village in the Rhone valley in Alpine southwest Switzerland, at the foot of the mountains.
From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026
The day before—Friday, May 10—while we in Hall’s and Fischer’s teams were climbing from Camp Four toward the top, the Alpine Ascents International expedition headed by Burleson and Pete Athans was arriving at Camp Three.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
“No alpines are going to bloom all season,” Chips said.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 9, 2023
Including Chips and her infectious love of alpines.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 9, 2023
At Oliver Nurseries, the alpines and plants that favor troughlike conditions are a small part of the vast offerings, as they have been since the nursery opened nearly 60 years ago.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 9, 2023
The openings between rocks offer opportunities for planting sun-loving alpines, succulents or small spring-flowering bulbs — plants with shallow roots that prefer well-drained soil.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 20, 2022
Where alpines are grown in pots this should form one, as it makes a charming specimen; the drainage should be perfect.
From Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers Describing the Most Desirable Plants, for Borders, Rockeries, and Shrubberies. by Wood, John
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
