mountain

noun

moun·​tain ˈmau̇n-tᵊn How to pronounce mountain (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: a landmass that projects conspicuously above its surroundings and is higher than a hill
The sun set behind the mountains.
b
: an elongated ridge
2
a
: a great mass
a mountain of a manE. K. Brown
b
: a vast number or quantity
a mountain of mail
a mountain of debt

Examples of mountain in a Sentence

She watched the sun set behind the mountains. a cabin in the mountains They both like mountain climbing. We've received a mountain of mail.
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.
For the second time in a week, someone has died visiting a waterfall in the North Carolina mountains, searchers say. Mark Price updated July 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025 Luckily, their families found the beautiful small town in the mountains, Redwood Hollows. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025 Tennessee is filled with mountain towns that promise scenic views, Southern charm, and plenty of outdoor adventure, but not all of them require you to elbow through crowds on the main strip. Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025 Stage eight was uneventful, but with the decisive mountain stages having not yet begun, relationships could descend even further. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for mountain

Word History

Etymology

Middle English montaine, monteine, mounteyne, borrowed from Anglo-French muntaine, monteigne, mountaigne "elevated region, mountain range, mountain" (also continental Old French, Middle French montagne), going back to Vulgar Latin *montānea, from Latin mont-, mons "mountain, hill" + Vulgar Latin *-ānea, collective suffix, from neuter plural of Latin -āneus (from -ānus -an entry 2 + -eus -eous) — more at mount entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mountain was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Mountain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mountain. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

mountain

noun
moun·​tain ˈmau̇nt-ᵊn How to pronounce mountain (audio)
1
: an elevation higher than a hill
2
: a great mass or huge number
a mountain of mail

More from Merriam-Webster on mountain

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