clamber

verb

clam·​ber ˈklam-bər  ˈkla-mər 

clambered; clambering ˈklam-b(ə-)riŋ  ˈklam-riŋ 

ˈkla-mər-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to climb awkwardly or with effort especially by using both the hands and the feet

We clambered over the rocks.

They clambered up the hill.

clamberer

ˈklam-bər-ər 

ˈkla-mər-ər

noun

Synonyms of clamber

• climb
• scramble

Examples of clamber in a Sentence

The children clambered over the rocks.

We clambered up the steep hill.

Recent Examples on the Web

Parents who once lobbied for safe play spaces now gather in a nearby park as their children clamber over obstacles, the ground refreshingly clear of litter or needles. — Kyle Vanelli, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026

On a weekend morning, a van leaves Damascus and clambers toward Monte Rosa, a rocky area on the outskirts of the Syrian capital. — Adri Salido, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026

The field was narrowed to eight contestants who competed before the president on Tuesday night, clambering through a Ninja Warrior–style obstacle course while wearing red, white, and blue. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026

Naked figures embrace, argue, play and struggle, while others appear to clamber toward the sky. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clambren; akin to Old English climban to climb

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clamber

• amber
• camber
• tambour

Kids Definition

clamber

verb

clam·​ber ˈklam-bər 

clambered; clambering -b(ə-)riŋ 

: to climb awkwardly