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.
When the big top is raised, the workers clamber and flip with acrobatic flair. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026 Not robots clambering over rigs. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 Tomatoes produce long lateral stems that like to clamber along the ground, then root into the soil. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 June 2026 Cars honked their horns and cyclists pulled over to tune in as flags fluttered in the wind, fans clambered to see the screen, and people hugged and shouted. — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 17 June 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

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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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on clamber

Nglish: Translation of clamber for Spanish Speakers

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