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Glite Dictionary
Rocky Mountain goat

Rocky Mountain goat

5.9
A large white mountain goat that lives on steep rocky cliffs
  • noun
  • /ˈrɑːki ˈmaʊntən ɡoʊt/
  • US
translation icon : cabra de las Montañas Rocosas
  • We spotted a Rocky Mountain goat grazing near the alpine meadow.

Examples

  • The Rocky Mountain goat is known for its incredible climbing skills.

  • Many Rocky Mountain goats can be seen in Glacier National Park.

  • The Rocky Mountain goat is well adapted to life on steep, rugged cliffs.

  • Tourists are always thrilled to see a Rocky Mountain goat climbing effortlessly among the rocks.

  • The Rocky Mountain goat is known for its incredible ability to climb steep, rocky cliffs.

  • In national parks, visitors often spot the Rocky Mountain goat gracefully navigating the rugged terrain.

  • The Rocky Mountain goat uses its strong hooves to maintain balance on precarious ledges.

Synonyms

mountain goat
vsRocky Mountain goat
  • US
1 2.7

A large white animal with curved horns that walks easily on steep rocky slopes

emphasizes agility on rocky slopes rather than horn shape
Oreamnos americanus
vsRocky Mountain goat
  • Specialized
9.9

A wild goat that climbs steep mountain cliffs in northwest North America

focuses more on agility on rocky slopes rather than only naming the species
Oreamnos
vsRocky Mountain goat
  • Specialized
9.9

A North American mountain goat that lives on steep cliffs

refers specifically to a single species rather than to the whole genus

Surface Forms

Rocky Mountain goat singular
Rocky Mountain goats plural

Morphology

rocky + mountain + goat

The phrase is a straightforward descriptive compound: 'rocky' + 'mountain' + 'goat' yields a goat associated with rocky mountains (i.e., a goat from the Rocky Mountains). This compositional pattern (adjective + place noun + animal) is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Rocky Mountain goat: The name comes from a simple picture — a goat that lives on the steep, rocky slopes of the Rocky Mountains and climbs cliffs with sure steps. That's why the name refers to a large, white, 'sure-footed' mountain mammal.