lava

noun

la·​va ˈlä-və  ˈla- 

: 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 

ˈla-

adjective

Examples of lava in a Sentence

a flow of molten lava

Recent Examples on the Web

As described in The Independent, a monstrous eruption of lava approximately 182 million years ago eliminated the abundant dinosaur population that once inhabited this picturesque region. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026

They are built layer upon layer of highly fluid basaltic lava flows. —Tommy Orange, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026

Here, rainbows are an almost daily occurrence, sperm and blue whales are frequently spotted just off the coast, and surf crashes over hot spring pools carved into lava stone. —Gisela Williams, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026

Adding to the region’s geological drama, black, glassy obsidian rocks—formed by volcanic lava—are scattered throughout certain vineyards. —Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

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

Phrases Containing lava

• lava lamp

Rhymes for lava

• cava
• fava
• guava
• jahveh
• balaclava
• cassava

Kids Definition

lava

noun

la·​va ˈläv-ə  ˈlav- 

: melted rock coming from a volcano

also : such rock that has cooled and hardened