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

• decidedness
• decision
• decisiveness
• determination
• determinedness
• firmness
• purposefulness
• resoluteness
• resolution
• resolve
• stick-to-itiveness

Examples of granite in a Sentence

had the granite to see the project out to the end

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, another four-foot-tall black granite statue was found face down in front of these statues. —Francesca Aton For Artnews, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025

Each statue can cost up $200,000, must be life-sized and made of marble, granite, bronze, copper, or brass. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025

Then there are the interiors themselves: black brick and granite with polish teak, evoking a zen Japanese aesthetic rather than the colorful beachy vibe found elsewhere. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025

Next to a peaceful reflection pool is the Field of Empty Chairs, consisting of 168 bronze and granite chairs, each one imprinted with the name of a victim. —Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025

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)