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 home’s interior features hardwood floors and a roomy kitchen with granite countertops. — Trevor Morgan, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026

Highlights include the Base Torres viewpoint, the French Valley and the Grey Glacier, plus the crystal-clear lakes and granite peaks that Patagonia is known for. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

All the country is rolling, and there are a few granite outcrops from 50 to 200 feet high—sort of knolls or knobs. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026

Front Beach is close enough to downtown for an easy swim between meals, while Halibut Point State Park, a short drive away, trades village charm for granite quarries. — Jenn Sinrich, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 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)