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

Heavily Speckled or Beige Granite Busy, multi-toned granite has become one of the clearest markers of an outdated kitchen. —Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026

The pyre and human remains were found near the base of Mount Hora, a granite mountain that rises abruptly from and towers hundreds of feet above an otherwise flat plain. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026

Apartments have granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and washers and dryers, with some offering balconies and vaulted ceilings. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026

Here, find Panola Mountain, a 100-acre granite outcrop similar to Stone Mountain with its own diverse story and history. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 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)