The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

mammoth

IPA:

Dictionary definition of mammoth

Exceptionally large, enormous, or colossal in size.
"The company faced a mammoth challenge in revamping its entire infrastructure."

Detailed meaning of mammoth

It draws its inspiration from the extinct prehistoric mammal known as the mammoth, which was characterized by its massive size and formidable presence. When applied to objects or entities, "mammoth" implies an immense scale or magnitude, often surpassing typical proportions. It conveys a sense of grandeur, strength, and awe-inspiring proportions. Additionally, the term can be used metaphorically to describe tasks, projects, or challenges that are extraordinarily monumental or demanding. It emphasizes the significant size or scope of the subject in question, evoking a sense of impressiveness or immensity. Overall, "mammoth" captures the idea of something truly massive, substantial, or extraordinary, whether in physical dimensions or metaphorical significance.

Example sentences containing mammoth

1. The mammoth mountain range stretched as far as the eye could see.
2. Building a skyscraper is a mammoth undertaking that requires careful planning.
3. The mammoth wave towered over the surfers, challenging their skills.
4. The mammoth tree in the forest was centuries old and awe-inspiring.
5. The mammoth crowd gathered to witness the historic event.
6. Constructing the Great Wall of China was a mammoth achievement.

History and etymology of mammoth

The adjective 'mammoth,' used to describe something exceptionally large, enormous, or colossal in size, derives its etymology from the name of the prehistoric creature known as the woolly mammoth. The term 'mammoth' can be traced back to the Russian word 'мамонт' (mamont), which was used to refer to these ancient, massive creatures. The Russian word 'мамонт' likely has its origins in the Vogul language of Siberia, where it was used to describe these enormous beasts. The association of mammoths with immense size and grandeur led to the word 'mammoth' being adopted into the English language to describe anything of extraordinary magnitude. Thus, the etymology of 'mammoth' is deeply rooted in the awe-inspiring size and stature of these long-extinct creatures.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective mammoth:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of mammoth

1. The mammoth iceberg posed a significant threat to ships in the area.
2. The mammoth glacier slowly carved its way through the rugged landscape.
3. The mammoth cargo ship carried goods from one continent to another.
4. The mammoth storm caused widespread power outages and damage.
5. The mammoth elephant stood tall, a symbol of strength and majesty.
6. The mammoth sand dunes in the desert seemed to stretch on forever.
7. The mammoth waterfall cascaded down the rocky cliffs with tremendous force.
8. Taming a mammoth beast like a wild bull requires skill and bravery.
9. The mammoth bridge connected the two sides of the river, facilitating travel.
10. The mammoth task of cleaning up after the hurricane took weeks to complete.
11. The mammoth bookshelf was filled with volumes of knowledge and stories.
12. The mammoth cruise ship offered luxury amenities and entertainment.
13. The mammoth stadium could seat tens of thousands of cheering fans.
14. Facing a mammoth challenge, the team rallied together to overcome it.
15. The construction project required a mammoth amount of resources and manpower.
16. The museum housed a mammoth skeleton, showcasing the size and power of the ancient creature.
17. The football stadium had a mammoth capacity, accommodating tens of thousands of spectators.
18. The team tackled the mammoth task of organizing a large-scale charity event.
19. The storm left behind a mammoth amount of debris, requiring extensive cleanup efforts.
20. The company's CEO unveiled a mammoth expansion plan to enter new global markets.
21. The mountain range stood as a mammoth barrier, challenging climbers with its immense peaks.
22. The company announced a mammoth merger with its biggest competitor, reshaping the industry.
23. The novel's success was attributed to its mammoth storyline and intricate plot twists.
24. The researchers discovered a mammoth cave system, marveling at its vast underground chambers.
25. The ship's crew braved a mammoth storm, navigating treacherous waters to reach their destination.