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
capitalized : a person possessing Alpine physical characteristics

Alpine

2 of 2

adjective

1
often not capitalized : of, relating to, or resembling the Alps or any mountains
2
often not capitalized : 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
Top 5 Can’t Miss Stay at The Omnia, one of Zermatt’s most luxurious alpine retreats, complete with sleek, modern rooms and sweeping Matterhorn views. Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2025 Just 90 minutes from Milan, this refined Mont Blanc resort offers uncrowded slopes, alpine cuisine, and understated luxury in the heart of the Aosta Valley. Erica Firpo, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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 Or so the folks in the frosty, Alpine regions of Europe will tell you. Doug MacCash, NOLA.com, 22 Nov. 2020 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 9 Sep. 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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