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

Think over-sized kitchens with dark cabinetry, granite countertops, artificial grapes and many, many rooster decorations. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026

In addition, the granite counter ends in a peninsula that separates the kitchen from the informal eating area and seats four people comfortably. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026

Situated on a granite cliff overlooking the Patapsco River, the seminary operated from a five-story Italian Renaissance-style building. — Courtney Bell, Baltimore Sun, 29 Oct. 2026

Picture Tahoe City’s middle-aged men, wide-eyed in the should-I-pee hour, shadow-climbing the same fifty-seven moves on the same granite face. — Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 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)