eruption
Americannoun
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an issuing forth suddenly and violently; outburst; outbreak.
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Geology. the ejection of molten rock, steam, etc., as from a volcano or geyser.
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something that is erupted or ejected, as molten rock, volcanic ash, or steam.
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Pathology.
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the breaking out of a rash or the like.
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a rash or exanthem.
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Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of eruption
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin ēruptiōn- (stem of ēruptiō ). See erupt, -ion
Explanation
An eruption is an explosion of steam and lava from a volcano. This word is also used for other explosions, such as "an eruption of emotions." If there's an eruption of a volcano, you don't want to be anywhere near it. When a volcano erupts, it spews a huge amount of lava, ash, and steam into the air. If you were angry at a friend but held your tongue for a long time, then suddenly started yelling in anger, that's an eruption too. The sudden spreading of a disease could be called an eruption. Eruptions are quick, huge, explosive, and dangerous: they're never good news.
Vocabulary lists containing eruption
Make a Break for It: Rupt
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August Words
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The magma traveled from more than 20 kilometers beneath Earth's surface before stopping just 1.6 kilometers below the island, narrowly avoiding an eruption.
From Science Daily • May 14, 2026
After collecting samples, researchers bring them back to the lab, separate the microscopic glass from the soil and chemically analyze it to confirm whether it came from the Toba eruption.
From Science Daily • May 11, 2026
The eruption was so enormous that scientists believe its effects reached nearly every corner of the planet.
From Science Daily • May 11, 2026
Climate and environmental records add another layer to the story by showing how temperatures, rainfall and vegetation changed after the eruption.
From Science Daily • May 11, 2026
Led by the USGS, this coalition helps not only to monitor volcanoes around the world but also works to train local scientists and emergency responders to prepare for an eruption.
From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
