: a dark gray to black dense to fine-grained igneous rock that consists of basic plagioclase, augite, and usually magnetite
Examples of basalt in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Fashioned from basalt, stone, and slate, this is the empty canvas upon which every ray of light and the sounds of birds and waves create a dynamic of its own and restore a sense of equilibrium.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
This prompts the parents to check on the ancient basalt sarcophagus in the archeological warren under the house.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
This ocean canyon heaves waves of shale and basalt, quartz and silt.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Abiqua Falls — known for its 92-foot (28-meter) vertical drop over a columnar basalt cliff — has been privately owned for over a century but open to the public.
—ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for basalt
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.
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
This prompts the parents to check on the ancient basalt sarcophagus in the archeological warren under the house.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
This ocean canyon heaves waves of shale and basalt, quartz and silt.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Abiqua Falls — known for its 92-foot (28-meter) vertical drop over a columnar basalt cliff — has been privately owned for over a century but open to the public.
—ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for basalt
Cite this Entry
“Basalt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basalt. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
: a dark gray to black usually fine-grained igneous rock
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
