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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other outdoor options include hot air balloon rides, paddling a kayak down the Verde River or visiting one of the ancient sandstone cliff dwellings and checking out the petroglyphs at Palatki, Honanki or Crane Heritage sites. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 June 2025 At Puerco Pueblo, a spiral petroglyph carved on a boulder interacts with a narrow beam of sunlight. — Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 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 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

Rhymes for petroglyph

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Browse Nearby Words

petrogeny
petroglyph
petroglyphic
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Cite this Entry

“Petroglyph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petroglyph. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on petroglyph

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about petroglyph

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