alpinism

noun

al·​pin·​ism ˈal-pə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce alpinism (audio)
often capitalized
: mountain climbing in the Alps or other high mountains

Examples of alpinism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Honnold’s free solo of Free Rider, Caldwell’s Dawn Wall redpoint, and Marc-André Leclerc’s bold alpinism each defined their legacies; their movies are appropriately named. Sam MacIlwaine, Outside Online, 29 May 2025 After studying philosophy, Graber moved to the Eastern Sierra and began ascending the ranks in alpinism. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2024 Nelson’s ability to continue pursuing a high-stakes career in alpinism even after becoming a parent was one of her many indelible legacies. Gregory Scruggs, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Sep. 2022 Inside, the concrete structure contains exhibits devoted to traditional alpinism, and is meant to give the mountain a lease of life in the summer months, when tourism drops from the peaks of the winter skiing season. CNN, 17 July 2022 That range is good for any outdoor activity in any season, except for glacier travel and high-altitude alpinism. Matt Jancer, Wired, 20 Nov. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alpinism was in 1871

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Cite this Entry

“Alpinism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpinism. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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