hogback

noun

hog·​back ˈhȯg-ˌbak 

ˈhäg-

: a ridge of land formed by the outcropping edges of tilted strata

broadly : a ridge with a sharp summit and steeply sloping sides

Examples of hogback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These geomorphic formations of rugged slopes are known locally as ‘hogbacks’ and present a particularly harsh environment in which to try and perfect agricultural techniques. —Paul Caputo, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

The power lines that are perched on the property, its water scarcity, and the fact that Thunder Valley is surrounded on the hogback by trails and open space means it likely won’t be overrun by a housing development anytime soon. —Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 8 June 2024

The complex sits downhill from the main part of town along a hogback ridge and has its own parking lot. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 22 Mar. 2024

Red sandstone hogbacks, Horsetooth Reservoir coves and bridges are some of the highlights while snowshoeing here, while elevation stays at a pretty constant 5,500 feet or so above sea level. —Mindy Sink, The Know, 6 Dec. 2019

The home is on a ¾-acre site that slopes into open space, allowing for a daylit, finished walk-out lower level, plus an entertainment-sized deck overlooking the hogback ridges and peekaboo views of city lights beyond. —Mark Samuelson, The Denver Post, 2 Aug. 2019

Some runners combine those trails with the Dakota Ridge hogback across the highway, a run of about 7 miles in total. —John Meyer, The Know, 22 July 2019

Popular with mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers, this hike will provide some elevation gain, then views of the plains and the hogbacks. —Mindy Sink, The Know, 6 July 2019

Soon these will give way to starker vistas of tenuous grassland and hogback mesa. —Guy Trebay, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hogback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback