clamber

[klam-ber, klam-er]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to climb, using both feet and hands; climb with effort or difficulty.

noun

1. an act or instance of clambering.

clamber

/ ˈklæmbə /

verb

1. to climb (something) awkwardly, esp by using both hands and feet

noun

1. a climb performed in this manner

Other Word Forms

• clamberer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clamber¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English clambren, equivalent to clamb- (akin to climb ) + -r- -er ⁶ + -en infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of clamber¹

C15: probably a variant of _climb

Example Sentences

Rescue workers were clambering over the rubble – some of it was still smouldering.

From BBC

Hood and one of his passengers managed to clamber out of the Mercedes without getting help for the causalities, some of whom had life-threatening injuries.

From BBC

Aldrin clambered awkwardly into the void, spending five hours photographing star fields.

From BBC

Not everyone who attempts to clamber across the falls is as lucky.

From Los Angeles Times

All those onboard clambered to safety as the boat collapsed in chaotic scenes.

From BBC

Related Words

• climb