spelunking

noun

spe·​lunk·​ing spi-ˈləŋ-kiŋ How to pronounce spelunking (audio)
ˈspē-ˌləŋ-
: the hobby or practice of exploring caves

Examples of spelunking in a Sentence

Her hobbies include hiking, biking, and spelunking. They love to go spelunking.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here are several to explore—no spelunking skills required. Pat Tompkins, AFAR Media, 4 Apr. 2025 The Cave Clan, an urban spelunking group, is helping Melbourne, Australia’s Museums Victoria recover items washed into the sewer after flooding. Melvin Backman, Quartz, 7 Jan. 2025 Day Two Enjoy an early morning breakfast before heading out on a full-day spelunking adventure at Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave led by Dr. Rafael Guerra, a renowned Belizean archaeologist and cave expert. Patricia Johnson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2024 The episode on Zion National Park starts out with some of the doctors and scientists rock climbing and spelunking. Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for spelunking

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spelunking was in 1944

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spelunking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spelunking. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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