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

Other projects include a White House granite helipad, a new ballroom, renovations at the Kennedy Center and an overhauled Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026

Across town, a stone obelisk—similar to Washington’s but, again, taller—was constructed with 25,550 blocks of white granite, one for each day of Kim’s seven decades of life. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

The display may still be developing along the Kancamagus, but the combination of turning hardwoods, evergreens, exposed granite, and mountain views is beautiful in its own right—and the drive is easier to enjoy while traffic still moves. — Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

The rivals traded blows in the eighth and ninth before the granite chin of Hrgovic won out. — ABC News, 29 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)