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

The granite spires of the Salt Lake Temple dominate the Salt Lake City skyline as an enduring part of the city’s pioneer history. — William Jones, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Parts of the beach are rimmed by pink granite boulders, which add another colorful dimension to the seascape. — Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

It was built of granite in 1808 and then upgraded significantly during the Civil War—an enormously impressive site filled with underground tunnels and stunning architecture. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Acadia holds some striking natural landmarks—Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, the granite cliffs of Otter Point. — Dinaw Mengestu, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 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)