WordGarden.iomount
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈaʊnt/
US
- /ˈmaʊnt/
Meanings
Verb
to increase or become greater
to fix or place something on a support or surface
to get onto or climb up something, especially for riding
More meaningsFewer meanings
to organize, stage, or launch something
Noun
a support, frame, or backing that holds something in place
an animal used for riding
Beyond the definition
To mount something can mean several things. Think of a knight mounting his horse, getting on top to ride. It also means to fasten or attach something securely, like mounting a photograph on backing or a television on the wall. But that is not all. You can mount an offensive or a campaign, which means to organize and launch a planned effort. The context tells you which meaning is intended. For instance, if someone says the debt is mounting, they mean it is growing larger and larger. Whether you are mounting an exhibit in a museum or mounting a bike, the idea is usually of getting something up, putting it in place, or seeing it grow.
The word mount is surprisingly versatile, carrying several distinct meanings depending on how it's used. At its core, mount often relates to climbing upwards, attaching something securely, or the steady accumulation of something.
Historically, and still commonly, mount refers to the act of getting onto something, typically an animal for riding. "The cowboy skillfully mounted his horse" evokes a classic image. This sense also extends to other things you get onto, such as a bicycle.
However, mount also means to fasten, fix, or display something for use or viewing. "She carefully mounted the photograph onto the backing," describes securing an item for presentation. You can mount a trophy on a shelf, mount a camera on a tripod, or mount a diamond in a ring.
Beyond physical actions, mount can describe an increase in intensity or quantity. "The pressure began to mount as the deadline approached," means the stress was growing. Similarly, "Opposition to the new law is mounting," indicates increasing resistance. In a professional or military context, to mount an offensive or a campaign means to prepare, organize, and launch it.
Finally, a mount can be a noun referring to a specific structure or support—like a gun mount on a ship or a jewelry mount that holds a stone in place. So, whether it's climbing aboard, securing an object, or watching numbers grow, mount is a word that speaks to elevation, attachment, and momentum.
Examples
- 1
Horse riding
She mounted the horse carefully and took the reins.
- 2
Wall installation
We mounted the TV on the wall above the desk.
- Patternmount X on Y
fix X in place on Y
- 3
Display support
The photo was placed in a plain white mount.
- 4
Museum exhibition
The museum mounted a new exhibition about city life.
- Patternmount an exhibition/show
organize and present it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Labor campaign
The union mounted a campaign for safer working conditions.
- 6
Growing pressure
Pressure mounted as the deadline got closer.
- Patternpressure/problems/fears mount
they increase
- 7
Rising costs
By the end of the month, our bills had really mounted up.
- Phrasemount up
increase over time
- 8
Military action
The army mounted an attack before dawn.
- Patternmount an attack/challenge
begin or carry it out
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- mountnounverb
Forms
- mountedpast tenseverbnoun
- mounting-ing formverbnoun
- mountspluralnounverb