# volcano

/vɑɫˈkeɪnoʊ/ (US) · /vɒlkˈeɪnəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/volcano
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. geological feature

noun · CEFR A2

a mountain with an opening where hot lava, ash, and gas can erupt from underground.

For teachers: a vent or fissure in the earth's crust through which magma, volcanic gases, and ash are ejected.

- The volcano erupted last night, sending a huge cloud of ash into the sky.
- Geologists monitored the dormant volcano for months, looking for seismic activity that might indicate a pending eruption of magma.

### 2. type of firework

noun · CEFR B2

a small firework that sits on the ground and shoots sparks upward in a cone shape.

For teachers: a pyrotechnic device designed to produce a steady upward plume of sparks, mimicking a volcanic eruption.

- We lit a gold volcano in the garden for the New Year's Eve celebration.
- The display concluded with several silver volcanoes that showered the driveway in a bright, controlled fountain of sparks.

### 3. to erupt

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to explode or burst out suddenly like a volcano.

For teachers: to erupt or burst forth with great force; often used figuratively to describe sudden emotional outbursts.

- The crowd started to volcano with cheers when the goal was scored.
- His long-suppressed anger finally began to volcano, spilling over into a heated argument that stunned everyone in the boardroom.

## Examples

- The volcano erupted and sent ash into the sky.
- Scientists monitored the volcano for weeks before the lava finally began to flow toward the abandoned village.
- The dormant volcano, once a source of terror for ancient civilizations, now serves as a fertile site for local vineyards due to the mineral-rich soil left by prehistoric eruptions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.