spelunk

[ spi-luhngk ]
/ spɪˈlʌŋk /

verb (used without object)

to explore caves, especially as a hobby.

Origin of spelunk

back formation from spelunker, spelunking

Words nearby spelunk

spelling pronunciation, spelling reform, spellman, spelt, spelter, spelunk, spelunker, spemann, spence, spencer, spencer gulf

Definition for spelunking (2 of 2)

spelunker
[ spi-luhng-ker ]
/ spɪˈlʌŋ kər /

noun

a person who explores caves, especially as a hobby.

Origin of spelunker

1940–45; < Latin spēlunc(a) cave (≪ Greek spêlynx, stem spēlyng-, akin to spḗlaion; cf. spelaean) + -er1

OTHER WORDS FROM spelunker

spe·lunk·ing, noun

British Dictionary definitions for spelunking

spelunker
/ (spɪˈlʌŋkə) /

noun

a person whose hobby is the exploration and study of caves

Derived forms of spelunker

spelunking, noun

Word Origin for spelunker

C20: from Latin spēlunca, from Greek spēlunx a cave