alps: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1formal, geographical, literary
Quick answer
What does “alps” mean?
A high mountain range in Europe.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A high mountain range in Europe.
A high, rugged mountain system, often snow-capped; used figuratively to denote a significant challenge, obstacle, or a series of difficult peaks or summits.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical; both refer primarily to the European range.
Connotations
Evokes imagery of grandeur, challenge, skiing, hiking, and natural beauty.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects within geographical/travel contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “alps” in a Sentence
the + AlpsAdjective + AlpsAlps + of + PlaceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alps” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Alpine scenery
- an Alpine climate
American English
- Alpine skiing
- Alpine villages
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism/travel industry contexts.
Academic
Common in geography, history, and environmental studies.
Everyday
Common in travel and general knowledge contexts.
Technical
Used in geology, meteorology, and cartography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alps”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alps”
- Forgetting the definite article 'the' (e.g., 'We visited Alps' - incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'Alpes' (the French/Italian form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically plural (e.g., 'The Alps are...'), but refers to a single mountain system.
Yes, when referring to the specific European range, you must use the definite article: 'the Alps'.
It originates from the Latin 'Alpes', likely of pre-Roman, possibly Celtic, origin meaning 'high mountain'.
Rarely. It's predominantly a proper noun. The adjective 'Alpine' is used for general mountainous features.
A high mountain range in Europe.
Alps is usually formal, geographical, literary in register.
Alps: in British English it is pronounced /ælps/, and in American English it is pronounced /ælps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to cross one's Alps (figurative: to overcome a great challenge)”
- “an Alps of debt (a mountainous amount of debt)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ALPS: Always Large Peaks & Snow.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHALLENGE IS A MOUNTAIN (e.g., 'The negotiation was their Alps.')
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, 'to face one's Alps' most likely means: