caldera

noun

cal·​de·​ra kal-ˈder-ə 

kȯl-, 

-ˈdir- 

: a volcanic crater that has a diameter many times that of the vent and is formed by collapse of the central part of a volcano or by explosions of extraordinary violence

Did you know?

A large, bowl-shaped volcanic depression, a caldera forms when the top of a volcanic cone collapses into the space left after magma is ejected during a violent volcanic eruption. Its diameter is many times that of the original vent. The term is Spanish for "caldron." Subsequent minor eruptions may build small cones on the floor of the caldera, and the caldera may still later fill up with water; an example of this is Crater Lake in Oregon.

Examples of caldera in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This Greek brand with outposts in the towns of Imerovigli and Oia alike stands out for its first-class views of the caldera. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Santorini, Greece The island’s Grace Hotel, Auberge Collection, helps guests connect with the famous blue waters of the caldera with net-fishing lessons that often haul in barbouni (red mullet) and skaros (parrot fish). —Kinsey Gidick, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026

Instability, ground cracking and rockfalls are present around the Kīlauea caldera, which is why that area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been closed since 2007. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 8 Dec. 2025

In the ancient city of Pozzuoli, which sits in the caldera, tourists follow a guide through winding, narrow alleyways. —Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, cauldron, from Late Latin caldaria — more at cauldron

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for caldera

• aspera
• barbera
• barrera
• cascara
• chimaera
• chimera
• cordillera
• diptera
• drosera
• mascara
• patera
• provera

Kids Definition

caldera

noun

cal·​de·​ra kal-ˈder-ə  kȯl- 

-ˈdir-

: a large crater formed by the collapse of a volcanic cone or by an explosion