alpine

1 of 2

noun

al·​pine ˈal-ˌpīn How to pronounce alpine (audio)
1
: a plant native to alpine or boreal regions that is often grown for ornament
2
Alpine : a person possessing Alpine physical characteristics

Alpine

2 of 2

adjective

1
often alpine : of, relating to, or resembling the Alps or any mountains
2
often alpine : of, relating to, or growing in the biogeographic zone including the elevated slopes above timberline
3
: of or relating to a group or physical type characterized by a broad head, stockiness, medium height, and brown hair or eyes
4
: of or relating to competitive ski events consisting of slalom and downhill racing compare nordic

Examples of alpine 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.
Noun
With its Bavarian architecture and towering mountain peaks, Leavenworth resembles a European alpine village. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2025 This study presents the most persuasive argument yet for the origin story of these fascinating monuments, revealing that the dragon stones were neither random nor decorative but part of a prehistoric water cult whose objects of worship are still scattered across the Armenian alpine region. New Atlas, 11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Fast forward 100 years, and to mark the anniversary of the honeymoon adventure, Mercedes-Maybach PR had the idea of recreating, at least in part, the trans-Alpine adventure. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025 Former Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez has been backed by ex-Alpine team principal, Otmar Szafnauer, for a move to the Cadillac F1 team for the 2026 season. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alpine

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French alpin, borrowed from Latin Alpīnus, from Alpēs, the Alps + -īnus -ine entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alpine was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Alpine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpine. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

alpine

adjective
al·​pine ˈal-ˌpīn How to pronounce alpine (audio)
often capitalized
1
a
: of, relating to, or resembling mountains and especially the Alps
b
: of, relating to, or growing on upland slopes above the highest elevation where trees grow
2
capitalized : of or relating to competitive ski events consisting of slalom and downhill racing

Geographical Definition

Alpine

geographical name

Al·​pine ˈal-ˌpīn How to pronounce Alpine (audio)
city in a mountainous region of western Texas population 5905

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