lava

noun

la·​va ˈlä-və How to pronounce lava (audio) ˈla- How to pronounce lava (audio)
: molten rock that issues from a volcano or from a fissure in the surface of a planet (such as earth) or moon
also : such rock that has cooled and hardened
lavalike adjective

Examples of lava in a Sentence

a flow of molten lava
Recent Examples on the Web This is based on how the lava behaved during previous eruptions and the rates at which lava erupted during those events as well. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 Banana chocolate-chip muffins, lava cakes, chocolate-mousse cakes, lemon bars, even cream puffs (my specialty) were well within my wheelhouse. Sarah Schutte, National Review, 11 Feb. 2024 The previous eruption in the area started on January 14 and lasted roughly two days, with lava flows reaching the outskirts of Grindavik, whose nearly 4,000 inhabitants had been evacuated. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 9 Feb. 2024 Below is an aerial image on Jan. 14 showing how the wall barrier was, for the most part, able to deflect the lava flow from the town, although a fissure did form beyond the barrier and destroyed three homes. Laris Karklis, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2024 Those volcanoes spew runny lava that spreads for miles, forming low, gently sloping mounds. Kae Lani Palmisano, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 Without soil, hydroponic systems grow plants indoors in mediums such as lava rock or perlite and nutrient-rich water. Debbie Arrington, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024 Both fissures have been spewing lava since but less activity has been observed as of Monday. TIME, 15 Jan. 2024 Choose from a dozen or so day hikes in Hawaii National Park that will show off some cool things created by Mother Nature, like crystals formed by volcanic gas, a volcanic crater, and a cave where a stream of lava flowed 500 years ago. Brittany Anas, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lava.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Italian, ultimately from Latin labes fall; akin to Latin labi to slide — more at sleep

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lava was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near lava

Cite this Entry

“Lava.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lava. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lava

noun
la·​va ˈläv-ə How to pronounce lava (audio) ˈlav- How to pronounce lava (audio)
: melted rock coming from a volcano
also : such rock that has cooled and hardened

More from Merriam-Webster on lava

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!