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

• 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

Limestone parent material generally generates alkaline (high pH) soils whereas granites generate more acidic soil. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025

The volume opens with a photo of TCU’s Land Acknowledgment monument, a rugged, granite boulder with a circular bronze plaque. —Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025

The difference between bronze and stone is not like that between bronze and steel or granite and basalt. —Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025

Don’t miss the short trail to the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth, or the granite ascent to Moro Rock, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the park. —Emily Lapointe, Outside Online, 30 Sep. 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)