crampon

noun

cram·​pon ˈkram-ˌpän 

1

: a hooked clutch or dog for raising heavy objects

—usually used in plural

2

: a climbing iron used especially on ice and snow in mountaineering

—usually used in plural

Illustration of crampon

• crampon 2

Examples of crampon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Be sure to check conditions and pack crampons for hiking the slippery canyons in winter. —Erica Zazo, Outside Online, 9 Jan. 2025

Not bringing ice cleats or crampons on an icy hike can be frustrating at best, and deadly at worst. —Adam Roy, Outside Online, 17 Jan. 2025

Those who do climb are normally veterans equipped with crampons, ice axes, helmets, ropes and a thorough knowledge of the route, said Dave Miller, a professional mountain guide who has summited Whitney 80 times. —Harriet Ryan, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2025

On snowy days, Sullivan uses a simple set of crampons from Amazon to add traction to her shoes. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French crampon, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch crampe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

crampon

noun

cram·​pon ˈkram-ˌpän 

: a set of steel spikes that fit on the bottom of a climbing boot to give a better grip on slopes of hard ice or snow

—usually used in plural