petroglyph

noun

pet·​ro·​glyph ˈpe-trə-ˌglif How to pronounce petroglyph (audio)
: a carving or inscription on a rock

Examples of petroglyph in a Sentence

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.
The Three Rivers Petroglyphs Site features more than 21,000 petroglyphs, accessible via a hiking trail. Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025 Early in the episode, Motswana leads Smith on a hike to see petroglyphs that are more than 80,000 years old. Abigail Wise, Outside, 11 Dec. 2025 Don't miss these Knowledge transmission Archeologists study ancient rock art, which includes paintings on rock (pictographs) or peckings in rock (petroglyphs) to learn about the cultures of ancient peoples. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 28 Nov. 2025 The petroglyphs are known as ezhibiigaadek asin, or written on stone, in Anishinaabemowin language. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 16 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for petroglyph

Word History

Etymology

petro- + glyph, probably after hieroglyph

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petroglyph was in 1854

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Petroglyph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petroglyph. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on petroglyph

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!