climb
/klaɪm/ (bre, ipa) · [klˈaɪm] /klaɪm/ (ame, ipa) · [klˈaɪm] /ˈklīm/ (ame, mw)
climb — verb
- climbpresent simple I / you / we / they
- climbshe / she / it
- climbedpast simple
- climbing-ing form
1. to move towards a higher position, such as the top of a hill, stairs, or a mount
to move towards a higher position, such as the top of a hill, stairs, or a mountain
The children climbed the steep hill behind their house every weekend.
transitive: climb + steep hill
Nora climbed up the stairs to the second floor, carrying her school bag.
A narrow path climbed towards the top of the rocky cliff.
Ilhan climbed the ladder carefully to reach the books on the top shelf.
文法句型
climb + noun phrase (stairs/hill)
climb + up/down/towards + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently paired with a destination noun ('climb the stairs', 'climb a mountain'). Can be used intransitively when the direction is specified by an adverb or prepositional phrase.
常見錯誤
2. to move up, over, or onto something by using your hands and feet together, espec
to move up, over, or onto something by using your hands and feet together, especially on a steep or vertical surface
Quan climbed the old oak tree to rescue the kitten stuck on a high branch.
transitive: climb + tree
The firefighters climbed onto the roof using a long metal ladder.
Yan climbed over the fence when she realised she had left the house keys inside.
Amani grabbed the rope and climbed hand over hand towards the platform above.
文法句型
climb + object (tree/wall/rope)
climb + up/over/onto + noun phrase
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (GO UP): this sense emphasises the physical effort of using both hands and feet. The object is typically something you grip or pull yourself onto, such as a tree, wall, or rope.
常見錯誤
3. when a cost, figure, reading, or quantity becomes larger bit by bit as time pass
when a cost, figure, reading, or quantity becomes larger bit by bit as time passes
The price of petrol has climbed by fifteen percent since the beginning of the year.
pattern: price + climb + by + percentage
Temperatures in the city climbed to thirty-eight degrees during the summer heatwave.
The number of visitors to the national park climbed steadily after the new railway opened.
Unemployment climbed above ten percent for the first time in a decade.
文法句型
price/number/amount + climb + (by + amount) + (to + level)
用法筆記
Subject is always a numerical or measurable quantity (price, rate, temperature, level). Not used for one-off jumps — use 'jump' or 'shoot up' for sudden increases. Unlike 'rise', 'climb' suggests a gradual but steady upward movement.
常見錯誤
4. to reach a more important rank in a community or company, frequently by working
to reach a more important rank in a community or company, frequently by working hard or using personal connections
Shirin climbed from a junior assistant to a department manager in just five years.
pattern: climb + from [lower] + to [higher] + position
In a novel, a poor man climbs into high society by marrying a rich heiress.
Ryan worked hard and climbed up the corporate ladder faster than anyone expected.
Many people criticised the politician for climbing to power through dishonest means.
- advance
more neutral; focuses on progress rather than social movement
- rise through the ranks
specifically about career progression from a low starting point
- fall from power
to lose a high position
文法句型
climb + (up + to/towards) + position/rank
用法筆記
Often carries a slightly negative tone, suggesting ambition at the expense of others or using unfair methods. The fixed phrase 'climb the corporate ladder' is neutral and very common in workplace contexts.
常見錯誤
5. to enter or leave a tight space with effort, often using your whole body in a cl
to enter or leave a tight space with effort, often using your whole body in a clumsy way
The driver climbed out of the tiny car after parking in the tight space.
pattern: climb + out of [small space]
Meera climbed into the back of the van through the narrow side door.
Tamás climbed through the broken window to get back into the house.
The children climbed under the old wooden table to hide during the thunderstorm.
文法句型
climb + in/out/into/through + noun phrase
用法筆記
The key difference from sense 1 is that the movement is NOT upward — this sense is about getting into, out of, or through a confined space. Common with vehicles (car, van, boat) and small openings (window, hole).
常見錯誤
6. if a plant climbs, it grows upwards, often by wrapping itself around or attachin
if a plant climbs, it grows upwards, often by wrapping itself around or attaching itself to a surface or support
Pink roses climbed slowly up the white wall of the old cottage over several years.
pattern: plant + climb + up + surface
Ivy has climbed across the entire front of the building since nobody trimmed it.
Esme planted a vine that climbs along the wooden fence in her garden every summer.
Wisteria climbs up the stone pillars on the porch, showing purple flowers each spring.
文法句型
plant + climb + (up/over/along) + noun phrase
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively for climbing plants (ivy, roses, wisteria, vines, clematis). The direction is usually upward ('climb up'), but can also describe spreading across a surface ('climb across', 'climb over').
常見錯誤
7. to move across, down, or along a difficult surface using your hands and feet, es
to move across, down, or along a difficult surface using your hands and feet, especially when the movement is slow or tiring
The hikers climbed down the slippery rocks to reach the river below.
pattern: climb + down + [difficult surface]
Walid climbed across the narrow ledge above the canyon, holding tight to the wall.
Tomás climbed along the fallen tree trunk that stretched across the muddy stream.
Rescue workers climbed through the dark tunnel towards the trapped passengers.
文法句型
climb + down/across/along + noun phrase
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (general upward movement), this sense can involve any direction — down, across, or along. The emphasis is on physical difficulty and careful hand-and-foot placement. Common in hiking, rescue, and adventure contexts.
常見錯誤
climb — noun
- climbsingular
- climbsplural
1. a steep surface or section of ground that someone must climb, especially on a pa
a steep surface or section of ground that someone must climb, especially on a path or during a walk
There is a steep climb just before the path reaches the old watchtower.
countable: a steep climb
The last part of the trail is a rocky climb that takes about thirty minutes.
Benjamin stopped for water halfway up the long climb to the mountain hut.
Cyrus struggled on the steep climb up the grassy hill behind the school.
- descent
a downward section of path
用法筆記
Often used with 'steep' or 'long' to describe the difficulty. Typically refers to a section of a walk, path, or road that goes uphill noticeably.
2. the action or process of moving upwards, especially using effort or skill
the action or process of moving upwards, especially using effort or skill
The climb to the top of the volcano took the group nearly four hours.
countable: the climb + to + destination
Astrid was tired after the long climb but felt proud when she reached the summit.
Regular climbing is excellent exercise for your arms, legs, and back.
House prices in the city have been on a steady climb for five years.
- descent
the action of going down
用法筆記
This sense covers both literal upward movement (climbing a mountain) and figurative increases (prices, temperatures). When used as an uncountable noun ('climbing'), it refers to the sport or activity.