crampon

[ kram-pon ]

noun

1. a spiked iron plate worn on boots or shoes for aid in climbing or to prevent slipping on ice, snow, etc.
2. a device for grasping and lifting heavy loads, usually consisting of a pair of hooks suspended from a chain or cable, the upward pull on which provides tension for the hooks to grip the load on opposite sides.

crampon

/ ˈkræmpən /

noun

1. one of a pair of pivoted steel levers used to lift heavy objects; grappling iron
2. often plural one of a pair of frames each with 10 or 12 metal spikes, strapped to boots for climbing or walking on ice or snow

verb

1. to climb using crampons

Word History and Origins

Origin of crampon¹

1275–1325; Middle English cra ( u ) mpon < Old French crampon < Old Low Franconian *krampo, cognate with Old High German krampfo, Middle Dutch crampe; cramp ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of crampon¹

C15: from French, from Middle Dutch crampe hook; see cramp ²

Example Sentences

In the winter, only a small number of serious climbers attempt the expedition and are typically armed with crampons, ice axes and avalanche safety training, he explained.

From Los Angeles Times

Climbing down the final 400 in snowy conditions usually requires ropes, crampons and ice axes because a fall on slippery terrain that steep would be almost impossible to stop.

From Los Angeles Times

Climbers have to walk across those ladders, wearing big boots and crampons, as they make multiple trips back and forth to advanced camps to acclimatize before finally heading for the summit.

From Los Angeles Times

He said it was immediately clear they needed crampons for the ice and fierce wind.

From Seattle Times

Some hardy spectators watched all day, including one family that wore crampons for traction.

From Seattle Times