volcanic

1 of 2

adjective

vol·​ca·​nic väl-ˈka-nik 

vȯl-

also -ˈkā-

1

a

: of, relating to, or produced by a volcano

b

: characterized by volcanoes

a volcanic range

c

: made of materials from volcanoes

2

: explosively violent : volatile

volcanic emotions

volcanically

väl-ˈka-ni-k(-ə)lē 

vȯl-

also -ˈkā-

adverb

volcanic

2 of 2

noun

: a volcanic rock

Synonyms of volcanic

Adjective

• violent
• turbulent
• ferocious
• fierce
• furious
• explosive

Examples of volcanic in a Sentence

Adjective

a man with a volcanic temper that could go off at any moment

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Builders mixed lime with volcanic ash, setting off mineral reactions that persisted as the concrete aged. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 11 July 2026

Formed from volcanic pumice sculpted by the wind and sea, Sarakiniko’s lunar-like appearance, contrasting with cobalt waters, is surreal. — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026

Noun

Those wanting to get far off the grid can head to Rodrigues, an itty-bitty volcanic dot in the vast Indian Ocean, hundreds of nautical miles from neighbors in any direction. — Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026

Then head to Mount Tabor Park, built on an extinct volcanic cinder cone, for skyline views and walking trails. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1801, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing volcanic

• volcanic glass

Rhymes for volcanic

• botanic
• brahmanic
• britannic
• galvanic
• germanic
• hispanic
• koranic
• mechanic
• organic
• puranic
• quranic
• romanic

Kids Definition

volcanic

adjective

vol·​ca·​nic

väl-ˈkan-ik, 

vȯl-

also -ˈkān-

1

a

: of, relating to, or produced by a volcano

a volcanic eruption

b

: made of materials from volcanoes

volcanic dust

2

: explosively violent

a volcanic rage