spelunk

American  

[spi-luhngk] / spɪˈlʌŋk /

verb (used without object)

1. to explore caves, especially as a hobby.

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Etymology

Origin of spelunk

Back formation from spelunker, spelunking

Example Sentences

They spent four or five months outlining, researching and doing “historical spelunking” before they began to write, Kenan said.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m pleased to share the results of my spelunking: a can-do, women-run novel from Barbara Kingsolver and a deeply weird, overlooked British story that puts a baby’s existence into grotesquely brilliant prose.

From New York Times

That includes snorkeling, riding horses, biking, skiing, hiking, climbing, spelunking, kayaking, camping, watching geysers blow, relaxing in hot springs, getting close to volcanoes, and so much more in the 401 national park areas.

From National Geographic Kids

The shadows and glints thrown on the flat screen seem deep, as if your eye burrows into the surface, spelunking in caves of dust or drifting through nebulae.

From New York Times

In one playthrough, spelunking in a deep chasm ended abruptly when a giant frog appeared, noticeable only by its single glowing eye and the sound of its inhaling Link.

From New York Times