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.
Early Tuesday morning, the volcano spewed lava that reached a height of about 300 meters (984 feet), triggering red alerts, evacuations, a highway’s closure, and the suspension of classes in three departments. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 For some post-surf relaxation and restoration, guests can enjoy spa treatments like heated massages using lava shells, tailored wellness packages, and yoga sessions. — Sarah Farag, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026 In 2018, 215 people were killed and a similar number left missing when rivers of lava poured down the volcano's slopes, devastating a nearby village. — CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 Imagine the weight of 10 heavy elephants all balancing on the tiny point of a pin, right in the middle of hot lava. — Robin MacAluso, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of lava for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lava

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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