himalayas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral (Geographical, Literary, Figurative)
Quick answer
What does “himalayas” mean?
A major mountain system in Asia, forming a barrier between the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian subcontinent, and containing the world's highest peaks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major mountain system in Asia, forming a barrier between the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian subcontinent, and containing the world's highest peaks.
By extension, any colossal or seemingly insurmountable task, challenge, or obstacle; a metaphorical pinnacle or ultimate goal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or semantic differences. Pronunciation of the second syllable (/ˈmɑːləjəz/ vs /ˈmɑːləjəz/ or /ˈmæləjəz/) may have minor variation, but the stress pattern is consistent.
Connotations
Equally evokes grandeur and challenge in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both, with slightly higher frequency in UK media due to historical colonial and Commonwealth ties to the region.
Grammar
How to Use “himalayas” in a Sentence
[verb] + the Himalayas (e.g., explore, cross, see)the Himalayas + [verb] (e.g., stretch, rise, form)in the + Himalayasof the + HimalayasVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “himalayas” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Himalayan region is ecologically fragile.
- They undertook a Himalayan expedition.
American English
- The Himalayan climate zone is diverse.
- We faced a Himalayan bureaucratic hurdle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used figuratively: 'Getting regulatory approval was a Himalayan effort for the startup.'
Academic
Used in geography, geology, climatology, and cultural studies: 'The uplift of the Himalayas significantly altered regional climate patterns.'
Everyday
Referring to travel, nature, or large challenges: 'We dream of seeing the Himalayas one day.' or 'Clearing out the garage feels like climbing the Himalayas.'
Technical
In earth sciences: 'The Himalayas are a classic example of continent-continent collision tectonics.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “himalayas”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “himalayas”
- Incorrect: 'Himalaya' (when referring to the range). Correct: 'the Himalayas' or 'the Himalaya Mountains'.
- Incorrect: 'Himalayans'. Correct: 'Himalayan' (adj).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost always 'the Himalayas' when referring to the mountain range, as it is a proper noun for a specific geographical feature.
Rarely. It is primarily an adjective (e.g., Himalayan culture). The noun form for a person from the region is not standard; use terms like 'Sherpa' or 'inhabitant of the Himalayas'.
The Himalayas are the entire mountain range. Mount Everest is the specific, highest peak within that range.
Yes, but almost exclusively in a figurative sense to describe a massive, daunting challenge or a peak objective, e.g., 'The merger was the Himalayas of his career.'
A major mountain system in Asia, forming a barrier between the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian subcontinent, and containing the world's highest peaks.
Himalayas is usually neutral (geographical, literary, figurative) in register.
Himalayas: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɪməˈleɪəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɪməˈlaɪəz/ or /hɪˈmɑːləjəz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not the Himalayas. (dismissing a task as not monumental)”
- “a Himalayan task/challenge”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'He must lay a(s) foundation to climb the HIMA-LAYAS.' Links the word to the idea of laying groundwork for a huge challenge.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULTIES ARE MOUNTAINS; IMPORTANCE IS HEIGHT (e.g., 'the Himalayan task of economic reform').
Practice
Quiz
In which figurative sense is 'Himalayas' most appropriately used?