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
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 vents were still glowing and lava was still visibile on the crater floor. Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2025 One of the world’s most active volcanoes put on a dazzling weekend show as Hawaii’s Kilauea impressed onlookers with fountains of lava reaching heights of 1,000 feet in the air according to the US Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Eric MacK, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 Scientists estimate that 80% of Earth’s volcanic output — magma and lava — occurs in the ocean. Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 These organisms have adapted greatly to this changing environment, and can even survive within close proximity to lava flows. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lava

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

Cite this Entry

“Lava.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lava. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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
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