massif

noun

mas·​sif ma-ˈsēf How to pronounce massif (audio)
1
: a principal mountain mass
2
: a block of the earth's crust bounded by faults or flexures and displaced as a unit without internal change

Examples of massif 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.
Imagine waking up in the vast Patagonian wilderness and opening your curtains to see the jagged peaks of the Torres del Paine massif reflecting on the still waters of Lake Sarmiento. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2024 The suites are one of the three lodging types found at Tierra Patagonia, a true boutique property with just 40 luxury rooms — most offering views of the lake and massif. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2024 Guests stay in one of 62 luxury suites, all with panoramic views of the massif of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 The trip would see the duo aim to become the first ever to finish a single-day traverse of all five icy granite towers of the Devils Thumb massif, located in the Stikine Ranges mountain range that straddle the Alaska-British Columbia border. Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for massif 

Word History

Etymology

French, from massif, adjective, from Middle French, alteration of Old French massiz

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of massif was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near massif

Cite this Entry

“Massif.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/massif. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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