Meaning & Definition of Iceberg in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A large floating mass of ice that has broken away from a glacier or ice shelf.

  Example Sentence: The ship was warned about the looming iceberg in its path.

• Definition: Figuratively, a situation or problem that has only a small visible part, with much more hidden beneath the surface.

  Example Sentence: The financial crisis was just the tip of the iceberg; many issues lay underneath.

Etymology

Origin: From Dutch 'ijsberg', meaning 'ice mountain'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• tip of the iceberg: A small, visible part of a much larger issue or problem.
• swimming with icebergs: Being in a dangerous situation where many problems are hidden.

Translations

• Spanish: iceberg

• French: iceberg

• German: Eisberg

• Russian: айсберг

Related Words

• glacier: A massive, slow-moving body of freshwater ice.

• floe: A flat piece of floating ice.

Slang Meanings of iceberg

• Meaning: An obstacle or hidden threat.

  Example Sentence: In negotiations, he realized he was just hitting the iceberg.

• Meaning: A small problem that hints at a much bigger issue.

  Example Sentence: When the boss mentioned the budget cuts, it felt like we were seeing the iceberg.