spelunking

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

English

[edit]

Etymology

[edit]

From spelunk +‎ -ing. Back-formation from spelunker. Attested since 1946.[1]

Noun

[edit]

spelunking (usually uncountable, plural spelunkings)

  1. The practice or hobby of exploring underground caverns.
    Synonym: caving
    • 2001, Nancy Hathaway, The Friendly Guide to Mythology, page 277:
      In the great myths, the adventures are external, even when they involve such metaphorical spelunkings as the voyage into the underworld.

Translations

[edit]

Verb

[edit]

spelunking

  1. present participle and gerund of spelunk

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “spelunker”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.

Further reading

[edit]