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⇱ LAVA Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

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: 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

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.
Eco effort This property honors the land around it, working with it and integrating its lava rock wherever possible. β€”πŸ‘ Image
CondΓ© Nast, CondΓ© Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026 Its images of craters, ridges and ancient lava flows on the lunar surface could help scientists better understand how the moon β€” and the solar system β€” formed. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Tom Costello, NBC news, 4 Apr. 2026 That includes plans for documenting features such as craters and ancient lava flows, as well as the late addition of plans to observe a solar eclipse. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026 The crew will rely on lessons learned from training in the geologic wonderlands and lunar-like environments of places such as Iceland to note details about the shapes, textures and colors of impact craters and ancient lava flows on the moon. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lava

Word History

Etymology

Italian, ultimately from Latin labes fall; akin to Latin labi to slide β€” 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

β€œLava.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lava. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

: 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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