granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgra-nət 

1

: a very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline texture formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or microcline and used especially for building and for monuments

2

: unyielding firmness or endurance

… the cold granite of Puritan formalism.

—V. L. Parrington

granitelike

ˈgra-nət-ˌlīk 

adjective

granitic

gra-ˈni-tik 

adjective

granitoid

ˈgra-nə-ˌtȯid 

adjective

Synonyms of granite

• decision
• determination
• decisiveness
• resolve

Examples of granite in a Sentence

had the granite to see the project out to the end

Recent Examples on the Web

Below ground, the Aman Spa is a black-granite space of pools to find peace and quiet in isolation from the city above. —Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2026

There the grave still is, of Ireland’s three patron saints, under a granite slab added at the start of the 20th century to stop pilgrims stealing soil from the site. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026

The Georgia Guidestones were a monument of six solid granite slabs erected in 1980, standing about 20 feet tall and weighing more than 200,000 pounds. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Mar. 2026

Pickaxe Mountain, under granite, would be at least as challenging a target. —Matthew Bunn, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian granito, from past participle of granire to granulate, from grano grain, from Latin granum

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for granite

• gannet
• planet
• intranet
• pomegranate

Kids Definition

granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgran-ət 

1

: a very hard rock that can be polished and is used in buildings and monuments

2

: unyielding firmness (as of character, will, or opinion)