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

Marble, Granite, and Other Natural Stone Surfaces Avoid using white vinegar for cleaning marble, granite, and other natural stones, like slate. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025

The home was built in 1930 and includes hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. —Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 15 Dec. 2025

Divers explored the site between 2022 and 2024 and confirmed the presence of the granite structures. —CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025

He's been a foreman for Renegade Construction, a company that provides services in southern New Mexico and West Texas, since 2016 and does granite and tile work on the side, his wife said. —Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Dec. 2025

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)