Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A mountain range in the northeastern United States: The Catskills are a specific range of the Appalachian Mountains located to the west of the Hudson River in southeastern New York state. The region is known for its scenic, forested mountains and has historically been a popular destination for recreation and tourism.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • We spent our vacation hiking in the Catskills.
  • The artist's studio was nestled in a quiet valley in the Catskills.
  • Many New Yorkers used to travel to the Catskills for the summer.

Advanced Usage

• "the Catskill Mountains": A fuller, more formal name for the same range.
  • The geology of the Catskill Mountains is fascinating.
• Used attributively to describe things originating from or associated with the region.
  • He bought a beautiful Catskills landscape painting.
  • The resort offered classic Catskills hospitality.

Variants and Related Words

• Catskill (adj): Pertaining to the Catskill Mountains.
  • the Catskill region
• Catskill Mountains (proper noun): The full name of the range.

Synonyms

• Catskill Mountains: The direct synonym.
• The Borscht Belt (historical, informal): A colloquial term referring to the region's historical popularity as a vacation destination for American Jews, known for its many resorts and entertainment.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the geographical region and mountain range. It is not used as a common noun.
• Its cultural significance extends beyond geography, often evoking a history of 20th-century resort culture, outdoor recreation, and artistic inspiration (e.g., the Hudson River School of painting).

Noun

1. a range of the Appalachians to the west of the Hudson in southeastern New York; includes many popular resort areas