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

An infinity-edge pool stretches toward the horizon, while expansive Ipe wood decks, flamed granite terraces, and an outdoor kitchen frame sweeping bay views. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 May 2026

Pink granite called Ghiandone Limbara was extracted from the Sinnada quarry in northern Sardinia from the late 1970s to 2011. —IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026

Trump was in the East Room of the White House, talking about granite. —Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 7 May 2026

The war bonnet depicted in the Hiram Johnson gym and on the granite stone outside the school since 1997 was traditionally worn by leaders of the American Plains Indian Nations, which includes North Dakota and South Dakota. —Joe Davidson may 7, Sacbee.com, 7 May 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)