hill

UK: hɪl | US: hɪl

Definition
  1. n. a naturally raised area of land, not as high or craggy as a mountain

  2. n. a slope or incline (e.g., a hill on a road)

  3. n. (figurative) a difficult situation or challenge ("over the hill")

Structure
hill <raised land>
Etymology

The word "hill" traces back to Old English hyll, derived from Proto-Germanic hulni- (elevation). It shares roots with Dutch heuvel and German Hügel, all reflecting a compact, ancient term for natural elevations. Unlike compound words, "hill" has retained its simple, indivisible form across centuries, embodying a core concept in geography.

Examples
  1. The children rolled down the grassy hill.

  2. The castle stood atop a steep hill.

  3. Cycling up that hill was exhausting.

  4. She enjoys painting landscapes with rolling hills.

  5. After 50, he joked about being "over the hill."