noun
Uncommon
Gaston
GAS-tuhn
Gaston (noun) means In rock climbing, a move where a climber pushes sideways on a hold with the thumb pointing down and the elbow out, rather than pulling. Example: “He set up a gaston on the small edge to keep his balance across the traverse.”
noun
1
In rock climbing, a move where a climber pushes sideways on a hold with the thumb pointing down and the elbow out, rather than pulling.
"He set up a gaston on the small edge to keep his balance across the traverse."
verb
1
To use this sideways-pushing grip on a climbing hold.
"She had to gaston the sloping hold just to reach the next ledge."
How to use Gaston
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA climbing move where you push a hold sideways instead of pulling it.
Memory tip
Mostly used by rock climbers as jargon — not a word you will need in everyday conversation.
Trace the full origin ↓ Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Gaston.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- gastons
- Third person singular
- gastons
- Past tense
- gastoned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He set up a _____ on the small edge to keep his balance across the traverse.
Etymology
Named after French climber Gaston Rébuffat, credited with popularizing the technique.
Rhymes for Gaston
See all rhymes for Gaston →Frequently asked questions
What does “Gaston” mean?
The word “Gaston” means in rock climbing, a move where a climber pushes sideways on a hold with the thumb pointing down and the elbow out, rather than pulling. In plain terms, a climbing move where you push a hold sideways instead of pulling it.
How do you pronounce “Gaston”?
“Gaston” is pronounced GAS-tuhn (/ˈɡæstən/ in IPA).
How do you use “Gaston” in a sentence?
Here is “Gaston” used in a sentence: “He set up a gaston on the small edge to keep his balance across the traverse.”
What part of speech is “Gaston”?
Depending on how it is used, “Gaston” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “Gaston” come from?
The word “Gaston” comes from French. Named after French climber Gaston Rébuffat, credited with popularizing the technique.
Is “Gaston” a common word?
“Gaston” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Gaston” have?
“Gaston” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in rock climbing, a move where a climber pushes sideways on a hold with the thumb pointing down and the elbow out, rather than pulling.
