mountain

noun

moun·​tain ˈmau̇n-tᵊn How to pronounce mountain (audio)
Synonyms of mountainnext
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 man …—David Butwin
b
: a vast number or quantity
a mountain of mail
a mountain of debt

Synonyms of mountain

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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.
Buildings had been constructed between the mountains and the sea. — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 The fold-thrust belt, and the associated mountains, are the result of the Arabian Plate colliding with the Eurasian Plate. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 23 July 2026 This roughly 105-mile loop circles Western Europe’s highest mountain and passes through three countries in about 10 to 12 days. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026 After another major Interstate 80 shutdown this week, Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson is bringing together state, federal and local officials for a summit to find ways to reduce serious crashes along the mountain freeway corridor. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing mountain

Rhymes for mountain

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Browse Nearby Words

mountable
mountain
mountain accentor
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Cite this Entry

“Mountain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mountain. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of mountain for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mountain

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