definitions

spelunker

[ spi-luhng-ker ]
/ spɪˈlʌŋ kər /

noun

a person who explores caves, especially as a hobby.

Nearby words

spelling reform, spellman, spelt, spelter, spelunk, spelunker, spemann, spence, spencer, spencer gulf, spencerian

Origin of spelunker

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

Related forms

spe·lunk·ing, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for spelunker

spelunker

/ (spɪˈlʌŋkə) /

noun

a person whose hobby is the exploration and study of caves

Derived Forms

spelunking, 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