basalt

noun

: a dark gray to black dense to fine-grained igneous rock that consists of basic plagioclase, augite, and usually magnetite
basaltic adjective

Examples of basalt 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.
From there, head over to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning interlocking basalt stone columns that are the result of a volcanic fissure eruption that took place in the Paleogene period (around 60 million years ago). Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026 That spilled lava solidified into basalt rock that, in Iowa, and most of the country, is buried under thousands of feet of sediment. Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 17 Feb. 2026 Interestingly, the concrete differed from standard Roman concrete, as these ancient builders combined tuff, basalt, and limestone, Archaeology News reports. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026 The most famous is the eight-mile sweep of original basalt that begins at the third Roman milestone, the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, and is shared today by walkers, cyclists, and the cars of those who have homes there. Erica Firpo, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for basalt

Word History

Etymology

Latin basaltes, manuscript variant of basanites touchstone, from Greek basanitēs (lithos), from basanos touchstone, from Egyptian bḫnw

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basalt was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Basalt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basalt. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

basalt

noun
: a dark gray to black usually fine-grained igneous rock
basaltic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on basalt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster