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timberline

noun
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tim·​ber·​line | \ ˈtim-bər-ˌlīn How to pronounce timberline (audio) \

Definition of timberline

: the upper limit of arboreal growth in mountains or high latitudes

— called also tree line

Examples of timberline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The trail wanders up and down above timberline for several miles before dropping back into black spruce thickets on its way to the lonesome outpost at Mile 101 on the Steese Highway. — John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, "Snow is on the ground. But what about the sled dog races that traditionally accompany it?," 31 Oct. 2020 The calving grounds habitually used are located above timberline. — John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, "With calves about to drop, Nelchina caribou are moving late and through deep snow," 9 May 2020 The trailhead is at 11,500 feet near timberline and the trail tops out at 12,800 feet. — John Meyer, The Denver Post, "Snowmobilers ride on fragile Independence Pass tundra despite a lack of snow, spark concern," 17 July 2019 The east end of the Denali Highway is above timberline immediately out of Paxson. — John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, "It’s beginning to look a lot like a real winter, so be careful," 28 Dec. 2019 The easier higher slopes gave way below the timberline to defiles lined with tree roots and narrow ravines. — Simon Akam, Outside Online, "You Won’t Pass Chamonix’s Mountain Guiding Test," 27 Nov. 2019 Boreal toads live in Rocky Mountain wetlands above 8,000 feet up to timberline. — Bruce Finley, The Denver Post, "Battle to save Colorado high-country toads goes microbial with ground-breaking Purple Rain treatment," 13 July 2019 In the mountains, windy especially above timberline with isolated thunderstorms. — Kirk Mitchell, The Denver Post, "Denver weather: Skies clearing after chance of morning rain," 19 June 2019 The best lichen growth on the north side of the Alaska Range is among the spruces at the edge of the timberline. — John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, "In Interior Alaska, snow came late and then stuck around with a vengeance," 10 Apr. 2018

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

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First Known Use of timberline

1867, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of timberline was in 1867

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Cite this Entry

“Timberline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timberline. Accessed 24 Feb. 2021.

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More Definitions for timberline

timberline

noun
How to pronounce timberline (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of timberline

: an imaginary line on a mountain or high area of land that marks the level above which trees do not grow

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

timberline

noun
tim·​ber·​line | \ ˈtim-bər-ˌlīn How to pronounce timberline (audio) \

Kids Definition of timberline

: the upper limit beyond which trees do not grow (as on mountains)

More from Merriam-Webster on timberline

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about timberline

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