mudflow

noun

mud·​flow ˈməd-ˌflō How to pronounce mudflow (audio)
: a moving mass of soil made fluid by rain or melting snow
also : lahar

Examples of mudflow 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.
The ash that fell closer to Spurr remained a hazard for years as it was picked up by strong winds. Closer to the volcano, the eruptions produced pyroclastic flows, lahars (mudflows) and lots of volcanic bombs. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 The amount of rain is not expected to present a risk of mudflows in the burn areas. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024 On top of that, the river channels leading from Hood, especially on the south side, are choked with volcanic debris that was carried there by pyroclastic flows and volcanic mudflows. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2024 Past eruptions reveal multiple mudflows Lahars typically occur during volcanic eruptions but also can be caused by landslides and earthquakes. Katie Hunt, CNN, 23 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for mudflow 

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mudflow was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near mudflow

Cite this Entry

“Mudflow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mudflow. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

mudflow

noun
mud·​flow ˈməd-ˌflō How to pronounce mudflow (audio)
: a moving mass of mud made up of soil and rainwater or melted snow

More from Merriam-Webster on mudflow

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!