crampon

noun

cram·​pon ˈkram-ˌpän How to pronounce crampon (audio)
1
: a hooked clutch or dog for raising heavy objects
usually used in plural
2
: a climbing iron used especially on ice and snow in mountaineering
usually used in plural

Illustration of crampon

Illustration of crampon
  • crampon 2

Examples of crampon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Forest Service advised those who travel in avalanche terrain to carry such tools as crampons, an ice axe, a helmet, an avalanche beacon and a shovel. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 The agency says traveling in avalanche terrain requires careful use of mountaineering tools and equipment including crampons, ice axe and the skills to use them. Sarah Dewberry, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024 Choose based on climate and terrain For technical mountaineering, Todd recommends a full-shank boot with waterproofing and a back welt for crampons. Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2024 However, there is another way to keep climbing with axes and crampons. Jacopo Pasotti, WIRED, 25 Jan. 2024 As climbers chop into the ice with their tools and crampons, frozen debris rains below. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024 Climbing tools — ice axes, crampons, ice screws, pitons and so on — are stronger and lighter than ever. John Branch, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023 San Juan Mountain Guides rents skis, crampons, avalanche kits, and more from their shop on Main Street. Alex Schechter, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023 The terrain is technical and icy, requiring ropes and crampons. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crampon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French crampon, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch crampe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crampon was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near crampon

Cite this Entry

“Crampon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crampon. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

crampon

noun
cram·​pon ˈkram-ˌpän How to pronounce crampon (audio)
: a set of steel spikes that fit on the bottom of a climbing boot to give a better grip on slopes of hard ice or snow
usually used in plural
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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