craters of the moon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal (as a proper noun), Informal (as a metaphor)
Quick answer
What does “craters of the moon” mean?
A specific place name referring to a large expanse of lava fields and volcanic features in Idaho, USA.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific place name referring to a large expanse of lava fields and volcanic features in Idaho, USA.
Can be used metaphorically to describe any landscape that appears barren, rocky, or reminiscent of the moon's surface; also refers to the geological phenomenon of lunar craters.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a place name, it is exclusively American. The common noun phrase is understood internationally but less likely to be used in everyday British English.
Connotations
In American English, it strongly evokes the specific Idaho landmark. In British English, it more likely connotes actual lunar geography or a generic barren landscape.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English due to the landmark. The metaphorical use is rare in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “craters of the moon” in a Sentence
[Subject] visited Craters of the Moon.[Location] resembles the craters of the moon.The [place/landscape] is dotted with craters of the moon.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “craters of the moon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The terrain was positively Craters-of-the-Moon-like in its desolation.
American English
- We drove through a Craters-of-the-Moon landscape in central Oregon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in geology, planetary science, and physical geography contexts.
Everyday
Used when discussing travel to Idaho or making a simile about a barren place.
Technical
Used to describe specific volcanic or impact crater morphology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “craters of the moon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “craters of the moon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “craters of the moon”
- Not capitalizing when referring to the place name (Craters of the Moon).
- Using 'craters in the moon' instead of 'craters of the moon' for the common phrase.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a proper noun (a name) for a specific place in Idaho, USA. The lowercase phrase 'craters of the moon' can be a common noun phrase describing lunar features.
It is a National Monument and Preserve in central Idaho, United States.
Yes, but it is a metaphorical simile, e.g., 'The construction site looked like the craters of the moon.' It is not a standard adjective.
The name was coined in the 1920s because the vast lava flows and volcanic cones were thought to resemble the surface of the moon as seen through telescopes of that era.
A specific place name referring to a large expanse of lava fields and volcanic features in Idaho, USA.
Craters of the moon is usually formal (as a proper noun), informal (as a metaphor) in register.
Craters of the moon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkreɪ.təz əv ðə ˈmuːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkreɪ.t̬ɚz əv ðə ˈmuːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not a source of idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the MOON having CRATERS, and then imagine a place on EARTH that looks just like that – that's 'Craters of the Moon' in Idaho.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BARREN/LIFELESS PLACE IS A LUNAR LANDSCAPE.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Craters of the Moon' primarily?