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Glite Dictionary
climbing iron

climbing iron

7.1
A metal spike you put on a boot to help climb and stop slipping on ice
  • noun
  • /ˈklaɪmɪŋ ˈaɪərn/
translation icon : crampon
  • The guide recommended using climbing irons for better traction on the slippery paths in winter.

Examples

  • Before ascending the frozen waterfall, she ensured her climbing iron was securely attached to her boots.

  • "Get the lightweight two-hundred-meter line and the climbing irons out of the ship.

    Fiction book (1993)

  • The mountaineer strapped on his climbing iron to tackle the icy slope safely.

Synonyms

climber
vsclimbing iron
  • Specialized
4 8.9

An iron spike attached to a shoe to stop slipping on ice

is used on different surfaces for climbing and slip prevention
crampon
vsclimbing iron
  • Specialized
3 8.9

A metal frame with spikes that attaches to boots for walking or climbing on ice

is a simpler spiked device also used on trees poles and other surfaces
crampoon
vsclimbing iron
  • UK
9.9

Metal spikes fixed to a boot to stop slipping on ice

is a spiked device used on many surfaces including trees poles and ice

How Secure

crampon
  • Specialized
3 8.9
climbing iron
7.1
cleat
  • US
15 5.0
spike
58 3.6

Surface Forms

climbing iron singular
climbing irons plural

Morphology

climbing + iron

The compound 'climbing iron' transparently combines 'climbing' (the act of moving upward) with 'iron' (the metal), so a learner can infer it is a metal implement related to climbing or grip. This noun+noun compositional pattern is common and cross-linguistically regular, making the meaning predictable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Climbing iron is the name of a simple, old tool: a small piece of iron with a sharp spike that you strap to a boot so it can dig into ice, wood, or a pole. That's why it means 'a spiked metal device to help climb or prevent slipping' today.