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
ˈlä-və-ˌlīk How to pronounce lava (audio)
ˈla-
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.
But in a number of locations—Mount Etna, Hawaii, Iceland—lava gets expelled in dramatic fountains that can reach several hundred meters in height. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026 One such mystery is a large underground cave, or a cavernous tube carved out by ancient lava, that scientists think extends past a particular pit on the moon's surface. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Walk to Makaluapuna Point (also nicknamed as the Dragon’s Teeth Trail) for a casual coastal hike through dramatic lava rock formations that includes a meditative labyrinth. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 Volcanologists could use the technology to map internal magma chambers and lava tubes to help predict eruptions. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing lava

Rhymes for lava

See All Rhymes for lava

Browse Nearby Words

lav
lava
Lava Beds National Monument
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lava.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lava. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lava

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