volcanism

noun

vol·​ca·​nism ˈväl-kə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce volcanism (audio)
ˈvȯl-
: volcanic action or activity

Examples of volcanism in a Sentence

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.
That tidal flexing generates enormous internal heat, keeping parts of Io’s interior molten and driving its extraordinary volcanism. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026 All told, that makes the eruption a remarkable scientific opportunity for those focused on submarine volcanism. — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 31 July 2026 Those insights could help scientists better understand ancient volcanism on Mars, Venus, and Earth's moon, whose landscapes were shaped by massive eruptions billions of years ago. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 July 2026 This heat drives more melting and more basaltic volcanism, a process that plays out not just in the minutes-to-hours timescale of the actual collision, but in tens or even hundreds of millions of years afterward. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for volcanism

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volcanism was in 1830

Rhymes for volcanism

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Browse Nearby Words

volcanic wind
volcanism
volcanist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Volcanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volcanism. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on volcanism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about volcanism

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