spelunker

[spi-luhng-ker]

noun

a person who explores caves, especially as a hobby.

Origin of spelunker

1940–45; < Latin spēlunc(a) cave (≪ Greek spêlynx, stem spēlyng-, akin to spḗlaion; cf. spelaean) + -er¹

Related formsspe·lunk·ing, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

British Dictionary definitions for spelunker

spelunker

noun

a person whose hobby is the exploration and study of caves

Derived Formsspelunking, noun

Word Origin for spelunker

C20: from Latin spēlunca, from Greek spēlunx a cave

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for spelunker

"a cave bug; one who explores caves as a hobby," 1942, agent noun formed from obsolete spelunk "cave, cavern."