lahar

noun

la·​har ˈlä-ˌhär How to pronounce lahar (audio)
: a moving fluid mass composed of volcanic debris and water

Examples of lahar 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.
The ash that fell closer to Spurr remained a hazard for years as it was picked up by strong winds. Closer to the volcano, the eruptions produced pyroclastic flows, lahars (mudflows) and lots of volcanic bombs. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 But one of the biggest threats to people who live near the volcano are lahars, or muddy flows of rock, ash and ice that rush downstream like fast flowing concrete. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 8 Oct. 2024 The system is geared toward both detecting a lahar should the volcano wake up in the future and the specific scenario of a lahar triggered by a landslide, Moran said. Katie Hunt, CNN, 23 June 2024 Visitors should, however, watch out for lahars, which are mudflows or debris flows. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lahar 

Word History

Etymology

Javanese

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lahar was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near lahar

Cite this Entry

“Lahar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lahar. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lahar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!