I. ˈklīm verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English climban; probably akin to Old English clifian to adhere — more at cleave
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to go upward with gradual or continuous progress : rise , ascend
watching the smoke climb
b. : to increase gradually
prices are continuing to climb
c. : to slope upward
a climb ing path
2.
a. : to go upward or raise oneself especially by grasping or clutching with the hands
climb ed aboard the train
b. of a plant : to ascend in growth (as by twining)
3. : to go about or down usually by grasping or holding with the hands
climb down the ladder
4. : to get into or out of clothing usually with some haste or effort
the firefighters climb ed into their clothes
transitive verb
1. : to go upward on or along, to the top of, or over
climb a hill
2. : to draw or pull oneself up, over, or to the top of by using hands and feet
children climb ing the tree
3. : to grow up or over
ivy climb ing the wall
• climb·able ˈklī-mə-bəl adjective
II. noun
Date: circa 1587
1. : a place where climbing is necessary to progress
2. : the act or an instance of climbing : rise , ascent