outcrop

1 of 2

noun

out·​crop ˈau̇t-ˌkräp 

1

: a coming out of bedrock or of an unconsolidated deposit to the surface of the ground

2

: the part of a rock formation that appears at the surface of the ground

outcrop

2 of 2

verb

out·​crop ˈau̇t-ˌkräp 

ˌau̇t-ˈkräp

outcropped; outcropping; outcrops

intransitive verb

1

: to project from the surrounding soil

ledges outcropping from the eroded slope

2

: to come to the surface : appear

Examples of outcrop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These geckos live around karst rock formations — terrain shaped by limestone dissolution into caves, crevices and jagged outcrops. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026

Despite its petite size, the spa has an awesome array of treatments, while the sprawling pool is framed by royal palms, rocky outcrops, and snowcapped peaks. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026

Verb

There isn’t enough cover up here to hide a horned toad, but there’s a big rock outcropping down the hill halfway to the sheep. —Robert V. Broadbent, Outdoor Life, 12 Feb. 2026

At its far end, the valley is enclosed by red sandstone cliffs—rock walls, towers, and outcrops the size of office buildings, smoothed and sculpted by millennia of wind and water. —Stanley Stewart, Air Mail, 25 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

out entry 1 + crop entry 2, after crop out "to protrude from the ground"

Note: See note at crop entry 2 regarding geological senses of the verb.

Verb

derivative of outcrop entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1805, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outcrop

• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop

Kids Definition

outcrop

1 of 2 noun

out·​crop ˈau̇t-ˌkräp 

1

: a coming out of bedrock to the surface of the ground

2

: the part of a rock formation that appears at the surface of the ground

outcrop

2 of 2 verb

out·​crop ˈau̇t-ˌkräp 

(ˈ)au̇t-ˈkräp

outcropped; outcropping

: to come to the surface : appear

granite outcropping through softer rocks