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

Wildflower hot spots are found all over Georgia in diverse habitats — pine and hardwood forests, meadows, wetlands, stream banks, mountain ridges and coves, granite outcrops and others. —Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 7 Mar. 2026

Seychelles One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this sandy strip is surrounded by lush palms and polished granite boulders. —Melanie Van Zyl, Travel + Leisure, 6 Mar. 2026

World Curling told The Associated Press that local authorities were investigating the circumstances that led to the granite rocks being stolen from the Curling Olympic Stadium. —ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026

Ramos spearheaded the buildout and worked to create a Parisian-style cafe aesthetic, complete with penny tiles and white and gold granite. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 4 Mar. 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)