timberline
noun
tim·ber·line
ˈtim-bər-ˌlīn 
: 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
Aksai Chin also features steep mountains, many far above the timberline, with lakes, streams, and narrow roads cut along mountainsides and through mountain passes.
—
Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 14 Aug. 2023
The out-and-back trek climbs above timberline.
—Larry Bleiberg, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2021
Or hiking above the timberline on Humphreys Peak, climbing past the last few twisted bristlecone pines to cross a final stretch of alpine tundra and stand for a moment on the roof of Arizona, where the temperature has to be almost chilly, right?
—Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 17 July 2021
Hike it to the top of Mount Abe, one of the state’s five 4,000-foot peaks; the rocky summit pokes above the timberline and offers stunning 360-degree views that span from the Adirondacks in the west to New Hampshire’s White Mountains in the east.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 18 Aug. 2020
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, 31 Oct. 2020
The calving grounds habitually used are located above timberline.
—John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 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, 17 July 2019
The east end of the Denali Highway is above timberline immediately out of Paxson.
—John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 28 Dec. 2019
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Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 14 Aug. 2023
The out-and-back trek climbs above timberline.
—Larry Bleiberg, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2021
Or hiking above the timberline on Humphreys Peak, climbing past the last few twisted bristlecone pines to cross a final stretch of alpine tundra and stand for a moment on the roof of Arizona, where the temperature has to be almost chilly, right?
—Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 17 July 2021
Hike it to the top of Mount Abe, one of the state’s five 4,000-foot peaks; the rocky summit pokes above the timberline and offers stunning 360-degree views that span from the Adirondacks in the west to New Hampshire’s White Mountains in the east.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 18 Aug. 2020
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, 31 Oct. 2020
The calving grounds habitually used are located above timberline.
—John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 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, 17 July 2019
The east end of the Denali Highway is above timberline immediately out of Paxson.
—John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 28 Dec. 2019
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'timberline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1867, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near timberline
Cite this Entry
“Timberline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timberline. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
timberline
noun
tim·ber·line
-ˌlīn
: the upper limit beyond which trees do not grow (as on mountains)
called also tree line
More from Merriam-Webster on timberline
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about timberline
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