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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.
One of the most unique rescues in spelunking occurred 25 years ago, after a teenager got stuck in an impassable canal in a Pennsylvania cave. Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 Caving—which is the more extreme cousin to spelunking—is physically and mentally challenging but also adrenaline fueled and just plain fun, too. Heide Brandes, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025 There are a few caves in the state where an adventurous spelunking Hoosier might happen upon a cavefish, but one of the best ways to see them is to visit the Bluespring Caverns in Lawrence County. Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 17 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, Craig swoons over Austin, a local weatherman whose hang-out ideas — mushroom harvesting, urban spelunking, starting a punk rock garage band — give Craig genuine joy. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025 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 27 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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