Climbing Terminology: A Mini Dictionary for New Climbers

A clear and friendly guide to the words

climbers use every day.

Term	Definition
Anchor	A fixed point used to secure a rope. Anchors can be natural (trees, boulders) or artificial (bolts, cams).
Belay	The act of managing the rope to protect a climber from falling. Also refers to the system or device used.
Beta	Information about how to complete a climbing move or route. “No beta” means figuring it out yourself.
Boulder / Bouldering	Climbing short routes (called “problems”) without a rope, usually with crash pads for safety.
Crimp	A tiny handhold where only the fingertips can grip. Requires finger strength and tension.
Dyno	A dynamic jump from one hold to another. No static control—commit fully or miss entirely.
Flash	Successfully climbing a route on the first attempt with prior beta.
On‑sight	Climbing a route on the first attempt without any prior beta.
Project	A route you attempt multiple times but haven’t yet completed. Often something just beyond your current level.
Pump	The burning feeling in your forearms when they’re filled with lactic acid. “I’m pumped out!”
Route	A sequence of holds that forms a climb, either indoors or outdoors.
Send	To successfully complete a climb. “I sent it!”
Slack	Extra rope in the belay system. Too much slack increases risk; too little restricts movement.
Smear	Using the friction from your climbing shoe against the wall instead of stepping on a hold.
Topo	A visual guide to a climbing area or route, often showing lines, grades, and anchor points.