alpinist

or Al·pin·ist

[ al-puh-nist ]

noun

1. a mountain climber, especially in the Alps.
2. a downhill skier, especially one engaging in competitive slalom and downhill events.

alpinist

/ ˈælpɪnɪst /

noun

1. a mountaineer who climbs in medium-sized glaciated mountain areas such as the Alps

Derived Forms

• ˈalpinism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpinist¹

From the French word alpiniste, dating back to 1880–85. See alpine, -ist

Example Sentences

Paying tribute to the late climber, SHS James said Mr Huserka was a “top alpinist” and “world-class”.

From BBC

Ms Manners is an alpinist, a mountain climber who specialises in difficult climbs, and now lives in Chamonix, France.

From BBC

This “high-altitude work,” Mr. Tusk later recalled, involved being a “crazy alpinist” and equipped him to calibrate results and risk, a useful political skill.

From New York Times

Born in Bellingham, Leen was an avid Cascades climber who put up routes with legendary Washington alpinist Fred Beckey.

From Seattle Times

Another Australian alpinist, Daniel Trevena, has been coming to the region for over 10 years.

From Reuters

Related Words

• climber
• mountaineer
• rock climber