Cliff dweller meaning

A cliff dweller is a person who lives in a home built into the side of a cliff.


Cliff dweller definitions

Word backwards ffilc rellewd
Part of speech Cliff dweller is a noun.
Syllabic division cliff-dwell-er
Plural The plural of the word cliff dweller is cliff dwellers.
Total letters 12
Vogais (2) i,e
Consonants (6) c,l,f,d,w,r

Cliff dwellers were ancient Native American tribes who lived in cliffside caves and structures in the southwestern United States, particularly in places like Mesa Verde in Colorado and Montezuma Castle in Arizona. These cliff dwellings date back hundreds of years and provide valuable insights into the daily lives and culture of these early inhabitants.

History of Cliff Dwellers

The cliff dwellers are believed to have lived in these structures between approximately 1190 and 1270 AD. They constructed their homes using stone, mortar, and wooden beams, often building several stories high into the cliffs. These dwellings provided protection from the elements and potential intruders, as well as a vantage point for hunting and farming.

Architecture and Lifestyle

The architecture of cliff dwellings is impressive, with carefully constructed rooms, kivas (ceremonial chambers), and storage areas. The inhabitants were skilled in stonemasonry and engineering, able to create structures that have stood the test of time. Their lifestyle was primarily agricultural, with farming being a crucial part of their survival. They also hunted local wildlife and gathered plants for food and medicine.

Significance and Preservation

Cliff dwellings are essential archaeological sites that provide valuable information about the ancient past. These sites have been carefully preserved and protected to ensure their continued existence for future generations to study and appreciate. Visitors to areas like Mesa Verde National Park can explore these fascinating dwellings and learn about the people who once called them home.

Overall, cliff dwellers represent a fascinating chapter in American history, offering a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of the Southwest. Their legacy lives on through the impressive architectural remains they left behind, serving as a testament to their ingenuity and resilience in the face of challenging conditions.


Cliff dweller Examples

  1. The ancient Anasazi were known as cliff dwellers, living in homes built into the sides of cliffs.
  2. During our hike, we saw a group of cliff dwellers climbing and rappelling down the steep rock face.
  3. The documentary featured a fascinating segment on the lives of modern-day cliff dwellers in the Himalayas.
  4. As a geologist, I study the erosion patterns of cliff dwellers to understand how these structures were formed.
  5. The archaeological team discovered a new site of cliff dwellers believed to be over 800 years old.
  6. Visitors to the national park can take a guided tour of the preserved cliff dwellings left behind by the ancient Pueblo people.
  7. The novel depicted the struggles of a young cliff dweller trying to survive in a harsh desert environment.
  8. The artist's painting captured the beauty of the cliff dwellers' homes nestled among the red rocks of the canyon.
  9. Anthropologists have studied the cultural practices of cliff dwellers to gain insights into their daily lives and social structures.
  10. The ranger warned us to stay away from the edge of the cliff, as the area was home to nesting cliff dwellers like peregrine falcons.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 11/06/2024 - 13:37:52