mountain

word

/ˈmaʊntən/
MOWN-tuhn
/mˈaʊntɪn/
MOWN-tin

Definition

A mountain is a very high natural area of land that rises steeply above the land around it. It is larger and higher than a hill.

Usage & Nuances

Use it for large natural landforms: 'climb a mountain', 'at the top of a mountain', 'mountain road'. 'Hill' is smaller and less steep. 'Mountain' is also common in fixed phrases like 'a mountain of work' for a very large amount.

Example Sentences

That mountain is very high.

basic

We can see the mountain from our house.

basic

They climbed the mountain last summer.

basic

After five hours on the trail, the mountain still looked impossibly far away.

natural

We rented a cabin in the mountains to get away from the city for the weekend.

natural

I have a mountain of laundry to do before Monday.

natural