granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgra-nət How to pronounce granite (audio)
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 formalismV. L. Parrington
granitelike adjective
granitic adjective
granitoid adjective

Examples of granite in a Sentence

had the granite to see the project out to the end
Recent Examples on the Web Once diluted, this multi-purpose cleaner can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, on blinds, granite, glass and much more, in addition to your hardwood floors. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2023 In the 1980s and ’90s, as the city invested in infrastructure, builders for the private market imported the pink granite and reflective blue glass of American postmodernism. Michael Snyder Pedro Kok, New York Times, 22 Nov. 2023 The low-lying coastal plateaus that curve around the bases of the steep granite islands offer the only flat ground in the country. Frank Hulley-Jones, Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2023 Under the weight of almost 10 feet of snow from back-to-back, unprecedented winter storms, her walls started buckling, pulling off beams and granite countertops. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023 It’s topped by a 29-foot-tall white cross on a base bearing nearly 6,000 black granite plaques with the names of the area’s military veterans. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Nov. 2023 Winter in Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for rock climbers who take advantage of bouldering while the granite is cool. Sarah L. Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2023 Within five years, the Chinese had constructed a giant granite wall around the fort's military offices and barracks and had armed the 13-foot wall with cannons, officially earning the enclave the 'Walled City' moniker. Matt Benoit, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2023 The city’s historic center is a collection of medieval, Baroque, Gothic, and neo-Classical buildings, many with a through-line of local granite that continues into the present day. Sara Clemence Richard Pedaline, New York Times, 20 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'granite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of granite was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near granite

Cite this Entry

“Granite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/granite. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

granite

noun
gran·​ite ˈgran-ət How to pronounce granite (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on granite

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