volcanic

1 of 2

adjective

vol·​ca·​nic väl-ˈka-nik How to pronounce volcanic (audio)
vȯl-
also -ˈkā-
Synonyms of volcanicnext
1
a
: of, relating to, or produced by a volcano
b
: characterized by volcanoes
a volcanic range
c
: made of materials from volcanoes
2
: explosively violent : volatile
volcanic emotions
volcanically
väl-ˈka-ni-k(-ə)lē How to pronounce volcanic (audio)
vȯl-
also -ˈkā-
adverb

volcanic

2 of 2

noun

: a volcanic rock

Synonyms of volcanic

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Adjective

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Examples of volcanic in a Sentence

Adjective a man with a volcanic temper that could go off at any moment
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.
Adjective
The island’s volcanic soil, ample sunshine and arid climate add up to a distinctive wine grape. — Rick Steves, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026 Officials also outlined several hazards for residents and visitors, including potentially dangerous gas emissions and small, glassy volcanic fragments that can cause skin and eye irritation. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
The name Etna, volcanic in its association, aligns with the new life being imposed upon him. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Those wanting to get far off the grid can head to Rodrigues, an itty-bitty volcanic dot in the vast Indian Ocean, hundreds of nautical miles from neighbors in any direction. — Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for volcanic

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volcanic was in 1776

Phrases Containing volcanic

Rhymes for volcanic

See All Rhymes for volcanic

Browse Nearby Words

volcan
volcanic
volcanic ash
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

volcanic

adjective
vol·​ca·​nic
väl-ˈkan-ik, 
vȯl-
also -ˈkān-
1
a
: of, relating to, or produced by a volcano
a volcanic eruption
b
: made of materials from volcanoes
volcanic dust
2
: explosively violent
a volcanic rage
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