clamber

verb

clam·​ber ˈklam-bər How to pronounce clamber (audio) ˈkla-mər How to pronounce clamber (audio)
clambered; clambering ˈklam-b(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce clamber (audio) ˈklam-riŋ How to pronounce clamber (audio)
ˈkla-mər-iŋ
Synonyms of clamber

intransitive verb

: to climb awkwardly or with effort especially by using both the hands and the feet
We clambered over the rocks.
They clambered up the hill.
clamberer
ˈklam-bər-ər How to pronounce clamber (audio)
ˈkla-mər-ər
noun

Synonyms of clamber

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Examples of clamber in a Sentence

The children clambered over the rocks. We clambered up the steep hill.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There must have been a hundred of us there, circling the truck, clambering onto its hood, shuffling and shimmying and twerking with abandon. — Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 People have clambered into helicopters from roof terraces and been winched up from the mud left behind by the floodwater, videos posted by the Nepali Army show. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Parents who once lobbied for safe play spaces now gather in a nearby park as their children clamber over obstacles, the ground refreshingly clear of litter or needles. — Kyle Vanelli, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026 On a weekend morning, a van leaves Damascus and clambers toward Monte Rosa, a rocky area on the outskirts of the Syrian capital. — Adri Salido, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clamber

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clambren; akin to Old English climban to climb

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clamber was in the 14th century

Rhymes for clamber

See All Rhymes for clamber

Browse Nearby Words

clambake
clamber
clamberer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clamber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clamber. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

clamber

verb
clam·​ber ˈklam-bər How to pronounce clamber (audio)
clambered; clambering -b(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce clamber (audio)
: to climb awkwardly
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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