What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sierra
Example
The Sierra Nevada mountain range is known for its stunning beauty. [Sierra: proper noun]
Example
We went hiking in the Sierra Madre mountains last weekend. [Sierra: common noun]
cordillera
Example
The Andes cordillera is the longest mountain range in the world. [cordillera: proper noun]
Example
The Rocky Mountains are part of the North American Cordillera. [cordillera: common noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sierra is more commonly used in the United States, while Cordillera is more commonly used in Latin America.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sierra and cordillera?
Both Sierra and Cordillera are formal words that are often used in geography and geology contexts.
