petroglyph

American  

[pe-troh-glif, pe-truh-] / ˈpɛ troʊˌglɪf, ˈpɛ trə- /

noun

1. an image, design, or message carved or drawn on rock by a member of an ancient or prehistoric people.

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petroglyph British  

/ ˈpɛtrəˌɡlɪf /

noun

1. a drawing or carving on rock, esp a prehistoric one

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Other Word Forms

• petroglyphic adjective
• petroglyphy noun

Etymology

Origin of petroglyph

First recorded in 1865–70; from French pétroglyphe; equivalent to petro- ¹ + glyph

Explanation

A petroglyph is an ancient rock carving or painting. Antarctica is the only continent where petroglyphs haven't been discovered. One of the best-known North American examples of prehistoric rock art can be seen at the Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico, where more than 25,000 designs were carved into volcanic rock by Indigenous Americans. Some petroglyphs illustrate daily life or maps, while others appear to be early symbolic languages. The word comes from the French pétroglyphe and Greek roots petra, "rock," and glyphē, "carving."

Example Sentences

More specifically, because I read some signs, I can tell you that the petroglyphs are more than 2,000 years old, and also that a petroglyph is cut into stone; a pictograph is painted on stone.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2024

You can find an ancient petroglyph of a harbor seal’s face at Drummond Park, across from the ferry landing in Fulford.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 3, 2023

Norwegian conservation laws prohibit the petroglyph hunters from digging, so they work only with the most rudimentary tools: flashlights and brooms.

From New York Times • Jan. 4, 2023

But as we draw near, the form reveals itself: Nacho Libre in his cape, mask and shiny high-top boots, standing one-legged and holding his kayak paddle-spear-like, as if posing for a petroglyph.

From Washington Post • Oct. 7, 2022

Brick, who has been visiting the cave since 1988 and has written about it extensively, said a railroad expansion project in the late 1800s destroyed the petroglyph carvings.

From Washington Times • Oct. 10, 2020