v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. & intr. (often foll. by up) ascend, mount, go or come up, esp. by using one's hands.
2 intr. (of a plant) grow up a wall, tree, trellis, etc. by clinging with tendrils or by twining.
3 intr. make progress from one's own efforts, esp. in social rank, intellectual or moral strength, etc.
4 intr. (of an aircraft, the sun, etc.) go upwards.
5 intr. slope upwards.
--n.
1. an ascent by climbing.
2 a a place, esp. a hill, climbed or to be climbed. b a recognized route up a mountain etc.
Phrases and idioms:
climb down
1. descend with the help of one's hands.
2 withdraw from a stance taken up in argument, negotiation, etc. climb-down n. such a withdrawal. climbing-frame a structure of joined bars etc. for children to climb on. climbing-iron a set of spikes attachable to a boot for climbing trees or ice slopes.
Derivatives:
climbable adj.
Etymology: OE climban f. WG, rel. to CLEAVE(2)