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Definition of makalu
makalu
/məˈkɑːluː/
Ma · ka · lu
makalu Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
8
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
The fifth highest mountain in the world at 8,485 meters (27,838 feet), located in the Mahalangur Himalayas on the border between Nepal and Tibet, renowned for its distinct four-sided pyramid shape.
Example
"Many experienced mountaineers consider climbing Makalu to be one of the most challenging ascents in the Himalayas due to its steep pitches and knife-edged ridges."
• Rhymes for makalu
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Sanskrit 'Maha Kala', meaning 'Great Black', which is an epithet for the Hindu deity Shiva, likely referencing the mountain's prominent dark, rock-exposed summit.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Makalu. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/makalu