lava

noun

la·​va ˈlä-və  ˈla- 

: molten rock that issues from a volcano or from a fissure in the surface of a planet (such as earth) or moon

also : such rock that has cooled and hardened

lavalike

ˈlä-və-ˌlīk 

ˈla-

adjective

Examples of lava in a Sentence

a flow of molten lava

Recent Examples on the Web

Volcanologists could use the technology to map internal magma chambers and lava tubes to help predict eruptions. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

And not just any velociraptor, but the enraged dinosaur that pushed franchise champion Rachel Reilly into a volcano, thereby burning the reality TV icon to a crisp in a sea of lava. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2026

How would a body look if it were left for a year on a lava field or stuck for three years in an airtight suitcase? — HubSpot, 1 Oct. 2026

With these findings, this discovery also supports a growing conclusion amongst scientists that the majority of lava worlds likely have atmospheres. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, ultimately from Latin labes fall; akin to Latin labi to slide — more at sleep

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lava

• lava cake
• lava lamp

Rhymes for lava

• cava
• fava
• flava
• guava
• jahveh
• balaclava
• cassava

Kids Definition

lava

noun

la·​va ˈläv-ə  ˈlav- 

: melted rock coming from a volcano

also : such rock that has cooled and hardened