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

The hotel restored the granite and limestone exterior with bas-relief panels and the lobby’s Murano chandeliers, and also added 170 rooms and the city’s first rooftop bar. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026

The Kaaba itself is a roughly cubic gray granite structure about 43 feet tall, which Muslims believe was established by the Prophet Abraham – Ibrahim in Arabic – and his son Ishmael as a place of monotheistic worship in antiquity. —Iqbal Akhtar, The Conversation, 25 May 2026

But like James Salter did in his 1979 novel, Solo Faces, the filmmakers find the human condition laid bare on high granite walls. —Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026

The chef’s kitchen spotlights top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, limestone counters, granite islands and custom cabinetry. —David Caraccio may 23, Sacbee.com, 23 May 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)