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.
Millions of years ago, the Yakima River carved its way through basalt lava flows to form the Yakima River Canyon. Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026 Consider Lava Rock Mulch Similar to spiky plants, lava rocks are sharp and unwelcoming to snakes. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 16 June 2026 Its dark terrain is constantly changing due to lava flows from Kilauea or Mauna Loa – two of the most active volcanoes in the world, according to the National Park Service website. Alia Beard Rau, USA Today, 10 June 2026 This collision was powerful enough to reduce the moon’s surface to molten rock similar to a lava flow. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 June 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

Cite this Entry

“Lava.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lava. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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

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