fourteener: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Very LowTechnical / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “fourteener” mean?
A mountain peak with an elevation above 14,000 feet (approx. 4,267 meters).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mountain peak with an elevation above 14,000 feet (approx. 4,267 meters).
A type of poetic line containing fourteen syllables, typically iambic; more broadly, any mountain or hill meeting the 14,000-foot criterion in specific regions (e.g., Colorado).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The mountaineering sense is almost exclusively used in American English (specifically referring to peaks in the US). The poetic sense is recognized but equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In US (esp. Colorado/West): denotes a prestigious climbing goal, outdoor culture. In UK: little to no association; if used, likely the literary term.
Frequency
Extremely low in general British English; niche but recognized in relevant American subcultures (mountaineering, Colorado tourism).
Grammar
How to Use “fourteener” in a Sentence
to climb/ascend [a fourteener]to attempt/tackle [a fourteener]to be a classic/famous [fourteener]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fourteener” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The fourteener challenge attracts seasoned climbers.
- He studied the fourteener verse form.
American English
- She completed her first fourteener climb last summer.
- The guidebook covers every fourteener route in the state.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in tourism marketing: 'The resort offers guided tours of local fourteeners.'
Academic
In geography/geology papers discussing mountain classification; in literary studies for metre analysis.
Everyday
Very rare except among mountain climbers or residents of relevant U.S. regions.
Technical
Precise mountaineering classification; prosodic analysis in poetry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fourteener”
- Using 'fourteener' to refer to any tall mountain (specific altitude threshold required).
- Pronouncing it with stress on first syllable ('FOUR-tee-ner') instead of on 'teen'.
- Assuming the term is common outside specific geographical/literary contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Predominantly yes, especially the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado, California, and other western states. The term is occasionally applied to similar peaks elsewhere, but it's culturally anchored to the US.
No. A sonnet is a 14-line poem. A fourteener is a single line of verse containing fourteen syllables, often in iambic heptameter.
Colorado has 58 peaks over 14,000 feet. 'Fourteener' is a key part of local outdoor identity, with many climbers attempting to summit them all.
No, it is exclusively a noun (e.g., 'climb a fourteener') or can function attributively as an adjective (e.g., 'fourteener list').
A mountain peak with an elevation above 14,000 feet (approx. 4,267 meters).
Fourteener is usually technical / specialized in register.
Fourteener: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːˈtiːnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːrˈtiːnər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bag a fourteener (to successfully summit one)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a mountain shaped like the number 14. You need FOUR TEEN (fourteen) climbing friends to reach its summit—a 'fourteener'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS A SUMMIT (climbing a fourteener represents a major personal accomplishment).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'fourteener' most commonly used today?