spelunker

American  

[spi-luhng-ker] / spɪˈlʌŋ kər /

noun

1. a person who explores caves, especially as a hobby.

---

spelunker British  

/ spɪˈlʌŋkə /

noun

1. a person whose hobby is the exploration and study of caves

---

Other Word Forms

• spelunking noun

Etymology

Origin of spelunker

1940–45; < Latin spēlunc ( a ) cave (≪ Greek spêlynx, stem spēlyng-, akin to spḗlaion; spelaean ) + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Though this is Baker’s most conventional story, he is still the 21st century’s best societal spelunker, with a filmography that plays like an underground study of modern economics.

From Los Angeles Times

Experts suggest it could have arrived, for example, on the boot of a spelunker who trekked it in from Europe or Asia.

From Washington Post

Known as a destination for spelunkers and hikers, Maquoketa Caves State Park has more caves than any other state park in Iowa.

From Washington Post

At the entrance to Tenglong's lower cave, where the Qing River surges toward the Yangtze River, local spelunkers geared up on a recent day, fastening helmets, snaking ropes over their shoulders, packing waterproof bags.

From Washington Post

In 1961, a group of Milanese spelunkers traveled to southern Italy to map a deep cave in the floor of a remote mountain valley.

From New York Times