massif

noun

mas·​sif ma-ˈsēf 

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

Curving around the glistening, glacial Sarmiento Lake, an amphitheater of rooms gazes up at the Paine massif, with scenes constantly shifting depending on the time of day. —Sarah Marshall, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Currently there are two gaps, one of five miles on the northeast aspect of the Pikes Peak massif, another of eight miles on its southwest aspect near Cripple Creek. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026

Hike Montgó massif for soaring views of the coast. —Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026

For more extreme terrain, consider a heli-ski excursion to a remote peak like the Monte Rossa massif (from $1,470) or complete the bucket-list Haute Route and ski tour between Zermatt and Chamonix ($1,980 for a six-day trip). —Jen Murphy, Outside, 20 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for massif

• belief
• broadleaf
• debrief
• flyleaf
• khalif
• kharif
• longleaf
• motif
• relief
• saif
• serif
• beef