volcanic

1 of 2

adjective

vol·​ca·​nic väl-ˈka-nik How to pronounce volcanic (audio)
vȯl-
also -ˈkā-
Synonyms of volcanicnext
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 How to pronounce volcanic (audio)
vȯl-
also -ˈkā-
adverb

volcanic

2 of 2

noun

: a volcanic rock

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
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Adjective
The Bolaven Plateau is a place where remnants of ancient volcanic activity, such as lava cliffs and extinct volcanic craters, coexist with lush natural landscapes that feature breathtaking waterfalls, deep gorges, and dramatic riverscapes. Jasmine Ting, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026 Dosa earned an Academy Award nomination for 2022’s Fire of Love, the story of vulcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft who furthered the world’s understanding of intense geological forces, but whose lives were claimed in a volcanic eruption. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
Its wide variety of landscapes, many volcanic and at high elevations, create ideal climates for different terroirs, a French term to describe how wines vary in taste and structure based on soil, elevation, slope, aspect, and in some cases, cultural norms around production. Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 22 Feb. 2026 Soil types include alluvial, sedimentary, and volcanic, all of which contribute to the complex flavor profile of these amazing Oakville AVA wines. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for volcanic

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volcanic was in 1776

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Volcanic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volcanic. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on volcanic

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