: 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
Authorities are urging visitors to stop jamming pocket change between the basalt columns that make up the Giant’s Causeway, a national nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site on the coast of the North Atlantic Ocean.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025
Ancient Tools Show Our Ancestors Ate a Varied Diet
For the study, scientists examined maces and anvils made from basalt, a type of rock formed from rapidly cooling lava at the Earth’s surface, that ancient humans used to crack and crush plant foods.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Jan. 2025
The lower level is rich in basalt, while the upper level contains a lot of silica.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
In addition to steatite, sedimentary stones and basalt were also carved for pipes.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 14 June 2025
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.
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025
Ancient Tools Show Our Ancestors Ate a Varied Diet
For the study, scientists examined maces and anvils made from basalt, a type of rock formed from rapidly cooling lava at the Earth’s surface, that ancient humans used to crack and crush plant foods.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Jan. 2025
The lower level is rich in basalt, while the upper level contains a lot of silica.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
In addition to steatite, sedimentary stones and basalt were also carved for pipes.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for basalt
Cite this Entry
“Basalt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basalt. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
: a dark gray to black usually fine-grained igneous rock
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share