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

Sunrise hikes beside the statues, volcanic landscapes, local guides and museums bring Rapa Nui culture to life, while conservation programs protect the archaeological sites and local communities continue to preserve their traditions, language, music and dance. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026

Iran’s mentors were naturally taken aback by the volcanic eruption of popular anti-Americanism in the country in 1978. —Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026

Noun

At first glance, the islands hardly look like paradise: volcanic, windswept, and almost prehistoric. —Carla Vianna, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026

Afternoon: hike Mount Tabor Park, built on an extinct volcanic cinder cone with skyline views and walking trails. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 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