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

The path provides a succession of caldera views that no road or cable car can match. — Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026

Unlike many of its counterparts in the Mountain West—including Aspen and Telluride, in Colorado, and Jackson, across the Yellowstone caldera in Wyoming—the community of Big Sky didn't exist before skiing arrived. — Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026

Andronis Luxury Suites is the classic Oia choice if caldera drama matters most. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

In conjunction with the eruption, however, the USGS reported three earthquakes within Kīlauea caldera. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 17 June 2026

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
• diptera
• drosera
• mascara
• patera
• provera
• sierra

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