graphite

noun

graph·​ite ˈgra-ˌfīt 

1

: a soft black lustrous form of carbon that conducts electricity and is used in lead pencils and electrolytic anodes, as a lubricant, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors

2

: a composite material in which carbon fibers are the reinforcing material

graphitic

gra-ˈfi-tik 

adjective

Examples of graphite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Currently, Europe relies heavily on imports of virgin graphite, a critical mineral tightly controlled by global markets outside the bloc. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026

At that hour the water was periwinkle, the sky soft graphite; the only sound was the hush of the boat’s twin hulls through the waves. —Julie Orringer, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026

The new SIgnature Comfort Plus products are available in off white as well as black and graphite colors. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

However, modern pencils—which encase graphite, or a mixture of graphite and clay, in wood—date back to the 17th century. —Harriet Weber, Popular Science, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

German Graphit, from Greek graphein to write

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for graphite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

graphite

noun

graph·​ite ˈgraf-ˌīt 

: a soft shiny black carbon that is used in making lead pencils and as a dry lubricant

Medical Definition

graphite

noun

graph·​ite ˈgraf-ˌīt 

: carbon of a soft black lustrous form that conducts electricity and is used in lead pencils and electrolytic anodes, as a lubricant, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors

called also plumbago

graphitic

gra-ˈfit-ik 

adjective