The Lavant (Slovene: Labotnica) is a river in the Austrian state of Carinthia, a left tributary of the Drava.

The river originates in the small Lake Lavant (Lavantsee) at the southern slope of the Zirbitzkogel mountain in Styria, at a height of 2,053 m (6,736 ft).

It then runs southeastwards and after 11.2 kilometres (7.0 mi) reaches the border with Carinthia.

Most parts of the Lavant belong to the trout zone, while the lowest sections are characterised by barbels.

The name Lavant stems from the Pre-Celtic period, meaning "shining river" in Indo-European.