Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Wiktionary
alt. The sport of scaling rock faces, either with or without ropes and other equipment. n. The sport of scaling rock faces, either with or without ropes and other equipment.
WordNet
n. the sport or pastime of scaling rock masses on mountain sides (especially with the help of ropes and special equipment)
Wikipedia
Rock climbing is an activity in which participants climb up, down or across natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. The goal is to reach the summit of a formation or the endpoint of a usually pre-defined route without falling. Due to the length and extended endurance required and because accidents are more likely to happen on descent than ascent, Rock Climbers do not usually climb back down the route. It is very rare for a climber to downclimb, especially on the larger multiple pitches (class III- IV and /or multi-day grades IV-VI climbs). Professional Rock climbing competitions have the objectives of either completing the route in the quickest possible time or attaining the farthest point on an increasingly difficult route. Scrambling, another activity involving the scaling of hills and similar formations, is similar to rock climbing. However, rock climbing is generally differentiated by its sustained use of hands to support the climber's weight as well as to provide balance.
Rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport, one that often tests a climber's strength, endurance, agility and balance along with mental control. It can be a dangerous activity and knowledge of proper climbing techniques and usage of specialised climbing equipment is crucial for the safe completion of routes. Because of the wide range and variety of rock formations around the world, rock climbing has been separated into several different styles and sub-disciplines.
Usage examples of "rock climbing".
After days and nights of combating wraiths and nightmares and preternatural malaise, he welcomed the logistical challenge of simple rock climbing.
There were places where they had to use hands and feet, and Gaby led the way through those because she had more experience in rock climbing.
There were places where they had to use hands and feet, and Gaby led the way through those because she had more experi- ence in rock climbing.
Like all of her race, she was more than humanly good at rock climbing.
Mary had done a little rock climbing, and she'd listened avidly as he had talked about the techniques and equipment.