mountain

noun

moun·​tain ˈmau̇n-tᵊn 

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

—E. K. Brown

b

: a vast number or quantity

a mountain of mail

a mountain of debt

Synonyms

• peak
• alp
• mount

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

Having breathed in the fresh air of the mountains, affirmed his love for his girlfriend, and taken in the beautiful view, Daniel all but forgets about his fight with his mother. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025

North Carolinians are known for their creativity, whether that be evidenced through their catchy mountain music or the flavor profiles of traditional Southern dishes. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025

Daniel, having fallen off the side of a mountain on a rock-climbing trip with Cherry, is in the hospital, unconscious and fighting for his life. —Judy Berman, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

Here at Lake Garda, guests of Grand Hotel Fasano can indulge in water skiing, windsurfing or paddleboarding on calm waters, while also hiking or biking through the mountains that surround the lake. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing mountain

• acute mountain sickness
• American mountain ash
• Bernese mountain dog
• cat-a-mountain
• European mountain ash
• make a mountain out of a molehill
• mountain ash
• mountain bicycle
• mountain bike
• mountain biking
• mountain bluebird
• mountain chain
• mountain coati
• mountain cranberry
• mountain dew
• mountain goat
• mountain gorilla
• mountain laurel
• mountain lion
• mountain mahogany
• mountain man
• mountain sheep
• mountain sickness
• mountain time
• snow-on-the-mountain
• Welsh mountain pony

Rhymes for mountain

• fountain
• intermountain

Kids Definition

mountain

noun

moun·​tain ˈmau̇nt-ᵊn 

1

: an elevation higher than a hill

2

: a great mass or huge number

a mountain of mail