petroglyph

noun

pet·​ro·​glyph ˈpe-trə-ˌglif How to pronounce petroglyph (audio)
: a carving or inscription on a rock

Examples of petroglyph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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While the park boasts colorful canyons, dramatic cliffs, and ancient petroglyphs, similar to Zion, RVshare notes that Capitol Reef sees around 1.3 million fewer visitors than its southwestern neighbor each year. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2025 Read Next California ‘Awe-inspiring’ ancient petroglyphs vandalized in California, feds say. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025 Expert guides navigate rocky trails while pointing out unique geological formations, ancient petroglyphs, and hidden watering holes where wildlife gathers. Visit Tucson, AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025 Don’t Miss: The nearby Volcanic Tablelands, named for a cataclysmic volcanic eruption 750,000 years ago, draws rock climbers for its fantastic bouldering and desert rats for the austere landscape and petroglyph sites. Jenna Blough, Outside Online, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for petroglyph

Word History

Etymology

petro- + glyph, probably after hieroglyph

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petroglyph was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Petroglyph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petroglyph. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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