basalt

noun

ba·​salt bə-ˈsȯlt  ˈbā-ˌsȯlt 

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

basaltic

bə-ˈsȯl-tik 

adjective

Examples of basalt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The picturesque harbor, lighthouse, and breakwater invite leisurely strolls; Artist’s Point offers a rocky shoreline perfect for watching waves crash against ancient basalt. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 7 Aug. 2026

Travelers who’d rather be outside should drive south on Snake River Road to Buffalo Eddy, where hundreds of petroglyphs etched into the basalt by Nez Perce ancestors thousands of years ago remain visible from the riverbank. — Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

The structure leans heavily on concrete, steel and glass, but it’s warmed by wood, basalt and marble finishes and by the way the house frames the surrounding terrain. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Giant's Causeway The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland offers a spectacular foreground for the eclipse, with the sun appearing low above the Atlantic beyond the famous basalt columns. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 15 July 2026

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

Rhymes for basalt

• asphalt
• assault
• cobalt
• default
• exalt
• gestalt
• alt
• fault
• gault
• halt
• malt
• sault

Kids Definition

basalt

noun

ba·​salt bə-ˈsȯlt  ˈbā-ˌsȯlt 

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

basaltic

bə-ˈsȯl-tik 

adjective