timberline

noun

tim·​ber·​line ˈtim-bər-ˌlīn How to pronounce timberline (audio)
: the upper limit of arboreal growth in mountains or high latitudes

called also tree line

Examples of timberline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the West, where elk hunting is most common, hunters can pursue elk from an elevation as low as 4,000 feet to well above the timberline. Jace Bauserman, Field & Stream, 22 Feb. 2024 Aksai Chin also features steep mountains, many far above the timberline, with lakes, streams, and narrow roads cut along mountainsides and through mountain passes. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 14 Aug. 2023 The out-and-back trek climbs above timberline. Larry Bleiberg, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2021 Or hiking above the timberline on Humphreys Peak, climbing past the last few twisted bristlecone pines to cross a final stretch of alpine tundra and stand for a moment on the roof of Arizona, where the temperature has to be almost chilly, right? Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 17 July 2021 Hike it to the top of Mount Abe, one of the state’s five 4,000-foot peaks; the rocky summit pokes above the timberline and offers stunning 360-degree views that span from the Adirondacks in the west to New Hampshire’s White Mountains in the east. The Editors, Outside Online, 18 Aug. 2020 The trail wanders up and down above timberline for several miles before dropping back into black spruce thickets on its way to the lonesome outpost at Mile 101 on the Steese Highway. John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 31 Oct. 2020 The calving grounds habitually used are located above timberline. John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 9 May 2020 The trailhead is at 11,500 feet near timberline and the trail tops out at 12,800 feet. John Meyer, The Denver Post, 17 July 2019

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

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of timberline was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near timberline

Cite this Entry

“Timberline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timberline. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

timberline

noun
tim·​ber·​line -ˌlīn How to pronounce timberline (audio)
: the upper limit beyond which trees do not grow (as on mountains)

called also tree line

More from Merriam-Webster on timberline

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