Climb
UK /["/klaɪm/","/klaɪmz/","/klaɪmd/","/ˈklaɪmɪŋ/"]/US /["/klaɪm/","/klaɪmz/","/klaɪmd/","/ˈklaɪmɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to go up something towards the top
In simple words: to go upward or get higher
Examples
- I love to climb the mountains during the summer.
- He decided to climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator.
- The children were excited to climb the tree in the backyard.
- She will climb to the top of her career in no time.
- They plan to climb a rock wall this weekend.
Usage notes
Use 'climb' in everyday conversation or writing to describe ascending a physical object. It's appropriate for both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it in a metaphorical sense unless it's clear.
Grammar pattern
climb + object (e.g., climb a mountain)
Memory hint
Think of a mountain — imagine yourself climbing to the top.
Collocations
- high
- slowly
- nimbly
- up
- onto
- into
- climb to the top
- go climbing
- high
- slowly
- nimbly
- up
- onto
- into
- climb to the top
- go climbing
- high
- slowly
- nimbly
- up
- onto
- into
- climb to the top
- go climbing
- quickly
- rapidly
- sharply
- above
- from
- to
- high
- slowly
- nimbly
- up
- onto
- into
- climb to the top
- go climbing
- gradually
- slowly
- steadily
- begin to
- from
- to
- up
- gradually
- slowly
- steadily
- begin to
- from
- to
- up
Synonyms
- ascend
- rise
- scale
- mount
- heave
Antonyms
- descend
- sink
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'ascend' — remember 'climb' is more physical.
- Using 'climb' without an object — always specify what is being climbed.
- Mixing tenses incorrectly, especially in past forms like 'climbed' versus present perfect 'have climbed'.