mountain goat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, semi-technical (zoology, wildlife)
Quick answer
What does “mountain goat” mean?
A wild goat (genus Oreamnos) native to mountainous regions of North America, known for its thick white coat, sure-footedness, and ability to climb steep, rocky slopes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wild goat (genus Oreamnos) native to mountainous regions of North America, known for its thick white coat, sure-footedness, and ability to climb steep, rocky slopes.
A general term used for any goat or goat-like animal that lives in mountainous terrain (e.g., the Alpine ibex). Can also serve as a metaphorical label for a person who is an agile and confident climber or hiker in mountainous areas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. The referent (Oreamnos americanus) is a North American species, so the term is more common in North American contexts. In the UK, it may refer more generally to any wild mountain-dwelling goat (e.g., feral goats in Scotland).
Connotations
Both varieties connote wilderness, ruggedness, agility, and survival in harsh conditions.
Frequency
Higher frequency in North American English due to the animal's native range. In British English, it's a known term but used less frequently unless discussing specific wildlife.
Grammar
How to Use “mountain goat” in a Sentence
[see/observe] a mountain goat [in/on] the cliffsThe [hiker/climber] moved like a mountain goat.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mountain goat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective. Attributive use: 'mountain-goat agility'.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective. Attributive use: 'mountain-goat surefootedness'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Possibly metaphorical: 'Our sales team are like mountain goats, scaling impossible targets.'
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, ecology, and geography papers discussing alpine fauna, adaptation, and habitat.
Everyday
Used when discussing wildlife sightings, hiking experiences, or describing someone's climbing ability.
Technical
Specific taxonomic reference to Oreamnos americanus. Used in wildlife management, conservation biology, and paleontology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mountain goat”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mountain goat”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mountain goat”
- Misspelling as 'mountain gote' or 'montain goat'. Confusing it with 'ibex' or 'chamois' without geographical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a member of the Bovidae family and the subfamily Caprinae, which includes goats, sheep, and similar animals. Its scientific name is Oreamnos americanus.
Colloquially, yes, it can be used as a general descriptive term for similar agile, mountain-dwelling goats like the ibex. However, scientifically, 'mountain goat' typically refers to the North American species.
Mountain goats have sharp, black horns and shaggy white coats, and are more specialized for steep, rocky cliffs. Bighorn sheep have large, curved brown horns (in males) and are often found on grassy, rocky slopes and foothills.
It is used to describe a person who is exceptionally agile, balanced, and fearless when climbing or walking on difficult, steep, or rocky terrain.
A wild goat (genus Oreamnos) native to mountainous regions of North America, known for its thick white coat, sure-footedness, and ability to climb steep, rocky slopes.
Mountain goat is usually informal, semi-technical (zoology, wildlife) in register.
Mountain goat: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaʊn.tɪn ˈɡəʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaʊn.tən ˈɡoʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[climb/scramble] like a mountain goat (to describe a person's agility on steep terrain)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GOAT wearing a snowy white coat, standing on the very peak of a MOUNTAIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGILITY/SURE-FOOTEDNESS IS BEING A MOUNTAIN GOAT (e.g., 'The guide moved like a mountain goat across the scree').
Practice
Quiz
In which geographical region is the animal specifically known as the 'Rocky Mountain goat' native?