volcanic

1 of 2

adjective

vol·​ca·​nic väl-ˈka-nik How to pronounce volcanic (audio)
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 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
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.
Adjective
The volcanic plug rose dramatically from the sea on Saint Vincent’s windward side. Essence, 18 Oct. 2025 Palazzo Farnese is a 16th-century palace in the green hills of the Cimini Mountains that seems to rise from the volcanic rock itself. Fulvio De Bonis, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
Have a walk along the serene volcanic Lake Vico and eat at Trattoria del Cimino dal 1895, an authentic Lazian trattoria steps from the palace. Fulvio De Bonis, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025 That's the message in a new study about the catastrophic collapse of Earth's tropical forests due to natural volcanic causes 252 million years ago. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Volcanic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volcanic. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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