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col

col

13 9.6
A low point on a mountain ridge between two peaks that people use to cross
  • noun
  • /kɑl/
translation icon : collado
  • The hikers took a break at the col between the two peaks to enjoy the view.

Examples

  • I said without thinking that I would go to Genoa the next day, do the auto-stop caper on the highway that ran along the col all the way to Italy, and then flag a truck that would take me somewhere in the neighborhood of Genoa.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • The col de l'Espigoulier and its stunning view.

  • The rock wall, about 400 feet above Negrotto Col.

  • When I had cycled to the Col du Grand Ballon, I felt happy.

    Blog text (17)
  • After an exhausting effort over the Col du Grand Colombier last week, he called Wiggins a champion.

    Blog text (21)
  • It's often ferocious, especially coming over Col des Temptes (storm pass) near the summit.

    Blog text (25)
  • After ascending the steep trail, they finally reached the col and could see both valleys.

  • The col served as a natural passage for animals moving between the mountains.

Synonyms

pass
vscol
159 4.9

A low point between mountains used as a route

is the specific lowest point on a ridge between two summits
gap
vscol
148 1.0

An open space between two things, like a pass in hills

refers specifically to the low point on a ridge rather than any opening
saddleback
vscol
4 8.6

A low ridge between two peaks that looks like a seat

focuses on the exact lowest point on a ridge rather than shape

How Low

col
13 9.6
pass
159 4.9
saddle
3 7.2
gap
148 1.0

Surface Forms

col singular
cols plural

Etymology

Col comes from an old French word meaning 'neck' and from Latin collum, which also means 'neck'. Think of a mountain col as the 'neck' or narrow low point between two peaks, so the origin explains why a col is the pass on a ridge.