ascender

noun

as·​cend·​er ə-ˈsen-dər 

ˈa-ˌsen-

1

: the part of a lowercase letter (such as b) that rises above the main body of the letter

also : a letter that has such a part

2

: a device used for climbing rope that slides freely in one direction and grips the rope when pulled in the opposite direction

Examples of ascender in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the China National Space Administration, the Tianwen 3 mission will have a lander, an ascender, a service capsule, an orbiter and an Earth reentry module. — Leonard David, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Thomas seems to admire the early alpine first ascenders, at least online. — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Mechanical ascenders and descenders, metal climbing devices that help climbers up and down the rope, require a backup system in case of failure. — Calin Van Paris, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026

Renfrow was an early ascender in May’s offseason training activities. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ascender

• bartender
• contender
• defender
• engender
• extender
• offender
• pretender
• provender
• surrender
• suspender
• transgender
• bender