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 kitchen is appointed with white shaker cabinets, stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops. — Kim Quillen, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Kitchen Counters Most kitchen counters can be cleaned with apple cider vinegar, except those made from wood or natural stone, such as granite or marble. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2026

The white owners sold it for pennies on the acre, determining that more money could be made in developing nearby granite quarries. — Deborah Johnson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026

Founder Michalis Kontizas planted his vines among the volakes, the enormous rounded granite boulders that give this part of Tinos its almost lunar appearance. — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 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)