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Definition of canyoneering

canyoneering

/ˌkæn.jəˈnɪr.ɪŋ/
can · yon · eer · ing
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canyoneering Lexical Profile

canyoneering Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American The outdoor sport or recreational activity of exploring and traveling down canyons using a variety of techniques such as hiking, scrambling, climbing, rappelling, and swimming.

Example

"Before our canyoneering trip in southern Utah, we practiced our rappelling skills and checked all our ropes and harnesses."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for canyoneering

Word Nuance & Usage

In North American usage, 'canyoneering' refers to the sport of traveling down canyons using technical skills, whereas outside North America, the term 'canyoning' is standard.

• Rhymes for canyoneering

• Nearby Words

canvass
canvasser
canyon
canyoneering
canyoning
canyonlands
cap

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century in American English, modeled after 'mountaineering', from 'canyon' (borrowed from Spanish 'cañón', meaning 'tube' or 'gorge') combined with the suffixes '-eer' and '-ing'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Canyoneering. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/canyoneering
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