Mountains
|moun-tains|
/ˈmaʊn.tənz/
(mountain)
large natural elevation
Etymology
'mountain' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'montain' (also attested as 'montaigne'), which itself comes from Latin 'montanea'/'montanus' related to 'mons, mont-' meaning 'mountain'.
'mountain' changed from Old French 'montain'/'montaigne' and Middle English forms such as 'mountayne' before becoming the modern English word 'mountain'.
Initially it referred generally to a hill or elevated area ('mons' in Latin), but over time it shifted to denote larger, steeper elevations and is now used for significant natural peaks or ranges.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a large natural elevation of the earth's surface, typically with steep sides and greater height than a hill.
Mountains rose above the town, their peaks hidden in cloud.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a region characterized by many mountains; the mountains collectively (used when referring to a mountainous area).
They went to the Mountains for a week of hiking and skiing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/02 23:24