Mountain
'maʊntɪn
Definitions
2 meaningsA large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level; a large hill.
'maʊntɪn
A natural elevation of the Earth's surface rising to a summit
The snow-capped mountain peaks were breathtaking.
💡 Simply: Imagine a huge, tall hill made of rock and earth! That's a mountain. It's much bigger than a hill you might climb in your backyard, and often has snow at the top.
👶 For kids: A big, tall hill made of rock and dirt.
More Examples
They climbed the mountain to reach the summit.
The mountain range stretched for miles.
How It's Used
"The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world."
"We went hiking in the mountains last weekend."
A very large amount or number of something.
'maʊntɪn
A large quantity or amount
She faced a mountain of challenges in her new role.
💡 Simply: Sometimes we use 'mountain' to say something's really, really BIG. Like, if you have a lot of homework, you might say you have a mountain of it.
👶 For kids: A lot of something, like a mountain of toys!
More Examples
The company had a mountain of debt.
He ate a mountain of pancakes for breakfast.
How It's Used
"He had a mountain of paperwork to complete."
"There's a mountain of laundry I need to do."
Idioms & expressions
move mountains
To achieve something that seems impossible.
"She worked tirelessly and moved mountains to get the project completed on time."
From Old French *montaigne*, derived from Latin *mons, montis* meaning 'mountain'.
The word 'mountain' has been used for centuries to describe large geographical features and has maintained its core meaning throughout.
Memory tip
Think of a giant, rocky hill.
Word Origin
"mons, montis - mountain"