Illustration of crampon
- crampon 2
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web In 1932 Henry’s son, Laurent, added dual front points to the crampon, which has become standard for vertical ice climbing as well as mountaineering. 
Andrew Freeman, Outside Online, 21 May 2012 The best part: The crampon-like aluminum bars stick to slick rock like Velcro. Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 17 Apr. 2015 Weather permitting, strap on crampons and grab an ice axe for a walk on the spectacular glacier known as the Mer de Glace. National Geographic, 15 Sep. 2019 Don crampons, wield ice picks, and learn how glacial morphology has molded the landscape of the region. National Geographic, 12 June 2019 The test involved various traverses on steep ice that gauged candidates’ skills with crampons and ice axes. Simon Akam, Outside Online, 27 Nov. 2019 There, candidates put on their crampons, almost universally worn over lightweight boots like La Sportiva Trangos, with no lip at the front. Simon Akam, Outside Online, 27 Nov. 2019 Visitors planning to hike any of the trails on or below the rim should be properly prepared with crampons, trekking poles and even snow shoes. Bree Burkitt, azcentral, 26 Nov. 2019 He isn't equipped with hiking poles and doesn't appear to be wearing crampons (a traction device that attaches to the shoe for better mobility on snow and ice). Bree Burkitt, azcentral, 26 Nov. 2019 See More
Andrew Freeman, Outside Online, 21 May 2012 The best part: The crampon-like aluminum bars stick to slick rock like Velcro. Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 17 Apr. 2015 Weather permitting, strap on crampons and grab an ice axe for a walk on the spectacular glacier known as the Mer de Glace. National Geographic, 15 Sep. 2019 Don crampons, wield ice picks, and learn how glacial morphology has molded the landscape of the region. National Geographic, 12 June 2019 The test involved various traverses on steep ice that gauged candidates’ skills with crampons and ice axes. Simon Akam, Outside Online, 27 Nov. 2019 There, candidates put on their crampons, almost universally worn over lightweight boots like La Sportiva Trangos, with no lip at the front. Simon Akam, Outside Online, 27 Nov. 2019 Visitors planning to hike any of the trails on or below the rim should be properly prepared with crampons, trekking poles and even snow shoes. Bree Burkitt, azcentral, 26 Nov. 2019 He isn't equipped with hiking poles and doesn't appear to be wearing crampons (a traction device that attaches to the shoe for better mobility on snow and ice). Bree Burkitt, azcentral, 26 Nov. 2019 See More 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