verb / noun
clamber
KLAM-ber/ˈklæmbər/
An awkward climb using hands and feet.
The young man clambers up the uneven rock ledge using hands and feet.
Etymology
Clamber may be a repeated-action form of “climb,” or related to a Norse verb meaning “to hook oneself on.” Its ending indicates repeated or small actions, fitting the effortful movement described.
In context
the man-at-arms began to clamber up a narrow fern-lined cleft among the rocks.
More examples
- We clambered up the steep rocky bank.
- It was an awkward clamber onto the boat.
- She is clambering through the low window.
Forms
clamber · clambers · clambered · clambering
Similar words
- climb
- Climb is general; clamber emphasizes awkward effort using hands and feet.