mountainside
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈaʊntɪnsˌaɪd/
US
- /ˈmaʊntənˌsaɪd/
Description
- slope of a mountain
- hillside
- steep side
- rising land on a mountain
The mountainside is not the peak itself, but the land that slopes down from it: the side of a mountain. Imagine a hiker carefully walking along a rocky slope, or a small cabin resting on the side above a green valley.
These slopes are often covered with trees, rocks, and streams. In stories, this kind of place can feel quiet, wild, and a little dangerous. You might see old ruins on a steep slope or a narrow path leading to a hidden cave.
A mountainside is the sloping side of a mountain, not the top and not the flat land below. It can be gentle and green or steep and rocky. Picture a wide slope with trees, loose stones, and small streams running down after rain. That is the basic idea of a mountainside.
The word often brings to mind strong natural scenes and wide views. It can be a peaceful place, but it can also be hard to cross because of loose ground, sharp drops, or bad weather. In stories, a mountainside may be the setting for a long walk, a lonely home, a search, or a difficult climb.
Think of a shepherd leading sheep across a windy slope, or a climber moving carefully upward. The mountainside is usually meant in a literal way, but it can also add a strong feeling to a scene. It sits between the valley below and the peak above, so it often feels like a place of movement, effort, and change.
Examples
- 1
Village location
The village sits high on the mountainside, above the river.
- 2
Snow movement
Snow was sliding down the steep mountainside.
- 3
Hiking path
We followed a narrow path across the mountainside until we reached the forest.
- 4
Night view
At night, the lights of small houses dotted the dark mountainside.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- mountainsidenoun
Forms
- mountainsidespluralnoun