caldera
noun
cal·de·ra
kal-ˈder-ə 
kȯl-,
-ˈdir-
: a volcanic crater that has a diameter many times that of the vent and is formed by collapse of the central part of a volcano or by explosions of extraordinary violence
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A large, bowl-shaped volcanic depression, a caldera forms when the top of a volcanic cone collapses into the space left after magma is ejected during a violent volcanic eruption. Its diameter is many times that of the original vent. The term is Spanish for "caldron." Subsequent minor eruptions may build small cones on the floor of the caldera, and the caldera may still later fill up with water; an example of this is Crater Lake in Oregon.
Examples of caldera in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Each time, the volcano has sent lava shooting high into the sky from caldera vents, creating a dramatic sight for park visitors.
—
CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025
While lava flows remain confined to the Kīlauea summit caldera, the eruption produces hazards such as volcanic gas emissions, vog (volcanic smog) and Pele's hair—a type of volcanic glass—that can pose health risks and environmental challenges.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Kilauea began continuously releasing lava from its summit caldera inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Wednesday morning after a weeklong pause, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
—CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025
Luxury hotels, houses, and dining spots, painted in pastel shades, earthy tones and classic white, now cling to the dramatic caldera rim that frames the ancient sunken volcano hidden below the Aegean’s navy waters.
—Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2025
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CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025
While lava flows remain confined to the Kīlauea summit caldera, the eruption produces hazards such as volcanic gas emissions, vog (volcanic smog) and Pele's hair—a type of volcanic glass—that can pose health risks and environmental challenges.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Kilauea began continuously releasing lava from its summit caldera inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Wednesday morning after a weeklong pause, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
—CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025
Luxury hotels, houses, and dining spots, painted in pastel shades, earthy tones and classic white, now cling to the dramatic caldera rim that frames the ancient sunken volcano hidden below the Aegean’s navy waters.
—Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caldera
Cite this Entry
“Caldera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caldera. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
caldera
noun
cal·de·ra
kal-ˈder-ə
kȯl-
kȯl-
-ˈdir-
: a large crater formed by the collapse of a volcanic cone or by an explosion
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