spelunking

English

Etymology

From spelunk +‎ -ing. Back-formation from spelunker. Attested since 1946.[1]

Noun

spelunking (usually uncountable, plural spelunkings)

  1. The practice or hobby of exploring underground caverns.
    Synonym: caving
    • 2001, Nancy Hathaway, The Friendly Guide to Mythology, page 277:
      In the great myths, the adventures are external, even when they involve such metaphorical spelunkings as the voyage into the underworld.

Translations

Verb

spelunking

  1. present participle and gerund of spelunk

References

  1. ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2025) “spelunker”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.

Further reading

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