A1noun1K

Mountain

UK /["/ˈmaʊntən/"]/US /["/ˈmaʊntn/"]/

Definition

a very high hill, often with rocks near the top

In simple words: A very high piece of land, usually with steep sides.

Examples

  • The mountain was covered in snow during the winter.
  • They decided to hike up the steep mountain trail.
  • The children loved to play near the base of the mountain.
  • We can see the mountain from our house.
  • Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.

Usage notes

Use 'mountain' when talking about large landforms, often in natural settings. It is appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid using it in very technical discussions about specific landforms.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'mountain' as something that 'mounts' into the sky.

Collocations

  • big
  • great
  • high
  • chain
  • range
  • ascend
  • climb
  • come up
  • rise
  • soar
  • tower
  • chain
  • range
  • area
  • across the mountain
  • over the mountain
  • through the mountain
  • the flank of a mountain
  • the side of a mountain
  • the slope of a mountain
  • great
  • massive
  • debt
  • generate
  • reduce
  • face
  • a mountain of paper
  • a mountain of paperwork

Synonyms

  • peak
  • summit
  • hill
  • ridge
  • mount

Antonyms

  • valley
  • plain

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'mountain' with 'hill' — a hill is smaller.
  • Using 'mountain' as a verb, which is incorrect.
  • Saying 'mountains' for one mountain when referring to a specific one.