Search Dictionary
Definition of spelunking

spelunking

/spɪˈlʌŋ.kɪŋ/
spe · lunk · ing
JUMP TO:

spelunking Lexical Profile

spelunking Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American The hobby, sport, or practice of exploring caves and subterranean caverns.

Example

"Before going spelunking in the limestone caverns, the group checked their headlamps, helmets, and climbing ropes."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for spelunking

Word Nuance & Usage

Among experienced cave explorers in North America, 'caving' is generally preferred for trained, technical exploration, while 'spelunking' is often reserved for casual or untrained recreation.

• Rhymes for spelunking

• Nearby Words

spelling
spelt
spelunker
spelunking
spencer
spend
spendable

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 1930s by American amateur cave explorer Clay Perry from 'spelunker', which derives from Latin 'spelunca' (meaning cave or cavern) and ultimately from Ancient Greek 'spelynx'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spelunking. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spelunking
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.