rock hound

noun

1
: a specialist in geology
2
: an amateur rock and mineral collector
rockhounding
ˈräk-ˌhau̇n-diŋ How to pronounce rock hound (audio)
noun

Examples of rock hound 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.
As a full-time rock hound for more than a decade, Major has seen the culture go through something of a crystal craze. — New York Times, 31 Aug. 2021 Talk with area rock hounds to learn about local field trips and collecting opportunities. — Laura Daily, Denver Post, 3 Feb. 2026 Some vendors will also offer supplies and tools used by jewelry designers and rock hounds. — oregonlive, 22 Mar. 2023 Shoppers will find jewelry and cut stones, fossils, gem mining kits, and just about anything a rock hound would need for uncovering their own treasures. — Trudy Haywood Saunders, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2026 Different stories Gutierrez’s acquaintances describe him as a loyal friend, a ladies man, a rock hound, a smart businessman, generous to a fault. — Zeke MacCormack, San Antonio Express-News, 26 Mar. 2018 Professionals guide geode hunts through areas that are normally off limits to the general public, making this a unique opportunity for rock hounds. — Teaghan Skulszki, Outside Online, 4 July 2025 Join other rock hounds and see earth science on display at the Washington County Fair Park & Convention Center March 14-15. — Elaine Rewolinski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2020 The Freemans, who own a successful laboratory instruments company in Florida, call themselves rock hounds and discovered their love for gem hunting in the 1990s while hiking the Appalachian Trail in Maine. — David Abel, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rock hound was in 1915

Rhymes for rock hound

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Browse Nearby Words

rockhopper
rock hound
rock hyrax
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Cite this Entry

“Rock hound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rock%20hound. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rock hound

noun
: a person who collects rocks and minerals as a hobby
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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