volcanism

noun

vol·​ca·​nism ˈväl-kə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce volcanism (audio)
ˈvȯl-
: volcanic action or activity

Examples of volcanism in a Sentence

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.
On Earth, these shifting plates drive volcanism and rock weathering, which are key to carbon cycling. — Morgan Underwood, The Conversation, 19 Nov. 2025 Rocks nabbed by China’s robotic lunar sample return missions, Chang’e 5 and 6, indicate active volcanism there up until at least two billion years ago. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 7 Apr. 2026 The near side has a thin crust, low topography and extensive evidence of ancient volcanism, while the far side has a thick crust, higher elevations and far fewer signs of previous volcanic activity. — Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2026 But deriving a unified theory of volcanism will require a geologic Manhattan Project. — Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for volcanism

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volcanism was in 1830

Rhymes for volcanism

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Browse Nearby Words

volcanic wind
volcanism
volcanist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Volcanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volcanism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on volcanism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about volcanism

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