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Definition of alps

alps

/ælps/
alps
Plural:alps
•
Adjective:alpine
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alps Lexical Profile

alps Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A vast, crescent-shaped mountain range system in south-central Europe, stretching from the Mediterranean coast of France and Italy through Switzerland, Austria, and into Slovenia, featuring some of the highest peaks in Europe, including Mont Blanc.

2

Any high, rugged mountain or mountain range, particularly those that are snow-capped and similar in character to the European Alps.

Example

"The southern alps of New Zealand offer breathtaking scenery and challenging climbing routes."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

When capitalized as 'the Alps', it refers specifically to the major European mountain range system; when lowercase, it can refer broadly to any high, snow-capped mountains.

• Nearby Words

alpine
alpine ibex
alpinia
alps
already
alsea
alsean

Word Origin & Etymology

From Latin 'Alpes', which is generally thought to be of Celtic origin meaning 'high mountain', or derived from the Proto-Indo-European root '*albho-' meaning 'white' (in reference to snow-capped peaks).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Alps. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/alps
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