piton

noun

pi·ton | \ ˈpē-ˌtän

How to pronounce piton (audio)

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Definition of piton

: a spike, wedge, or peg that is driven into a rock or ice surface as a support (as for a mountain climber)

Examples of piton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Demand for Chouinard’s equipment grew, but making pitons was labor-intensive and expensive. — Alana Semuels, Time, "'Rampant Consumerism Is Not Attractive.' Patagonia Is Climbing to the Top — and Reimagining Capitalism Along the Way," 23 Sep. 2019 The pair spent the getaway exploring the island’s famous pitons, getting dirty with a sulphur springs bath, enjoying romantic dinners on the beach and simply being thankful for another year of life and love. — Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, "Eniko and Kevin Hart Celebrate Life And Love In St. Lucia," 20 Aug. 2019 By the first decade of the 20th century, pioneers were experimenting with first-generation climbing inventions such as steel carabiners and soft iron ring pitons. — Freddie Wilkinson, National Geographic, "Rock climbing: from ancient practice to Olympic sport," 14 Mar. 2019 The style also allows for sitting at any angle, meaning bathers can make the most of their views (in this case of the island’s legendary pitons). — Ella Riley-adams, Vogue, "Is This the New Must-Have Bathtub?," 16 Aug. 2018 Climb the pitons, scuba and snorkel, or simply hole yourself up in rooms with some of the most stunning views in the Caribbean. — David Jefferys, Condé Nast Traveler, "This Is the Best Caribbean Island for You," 15 Jan. 2018 Now the apparel maker has released a new line of workwear made from a fabric named after the iron forge that was once used to make pitons, chocks, and wedges. — Wes Siler, Outside Online, "This Patagonia Apron Is Made for Working," 12 Apr. 2018 The mountain is considered a non-technical climb, which means no ropes, no picks and no pitons — just hiking for seven or eight days. — David Skalski, Philly.com, "He just had a lung transplant. Now he's training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro," 14 Feb. 2018 Where to hammer a piton into rock or ice to secure a rope on which life might hang? — Robert D. Mcfadden, New York Times, "Fred Beckey, Conqueror and Chronicler of North American Peaks, Dies at 94," 31 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'piton.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Piton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piton. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for piton

piton

noun

English Language Learners Definition of piton

: a pointed piece of metal used in rock climbing that is hammered into a crack in the rock in order to hold the rope which is attached to the climber

See the full definition for piton in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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