timberline

[ tim-ber-lahyn ]

noun

1. the altitude above sea level at which timber ceases to grow.
2. the Arctic or Antarctic limit of tree growth.

timberline

/ ˈtɪmbəˌlaɪn /

noun

1. the altitudinal or latitudinal limit of normal tree growth See also tree line

timberline

/ tĭm′bər-līn′ /

1. A geographic boundary beyond which trees cannot grow. On the Earth as a whole, the timberline is the northernmost or southernmost latitude at which trees can survive; in a mountainous region, it is the highest elevation at which trees can survive.
2. Also called tree line

Word History and Origins

Origin of timberline¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; timber + line ¹

Example Sentences

The town itself is located just minutes from two downhill ski resorts, Canaan Valley and Timberline Mountain, and one cross-country-skiing hub, Whitegrass Ski Touring Center, all of which enjoy some 200 inches of lake-effect snow each year.

From Outside Online

He blew across Chilcoot Pass, above timberline, in the first swirl of autumn snow.

From Project Gutenberg

All have had to cross their Badlands, ride roughshod above the timberline or grab for cover to avoid a ricochet.

From Project Gutenberg

A little above them shone the snow line belting the giants of granite, and here the timberline spread in brown.

From Project Gutenberg

To these timberline drifts, when fringed with flowers, the mother and the cubs sometimes came.

From Project Gutenberg

Unfamiliar with timberline trees, two of the dogs in dodging the bears leaped into the matted growths.

From Project Gutenberg