granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgra-nət How to pronounce granite (audio)
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 formalismV. L. Parrington
granitelike adjective
granitic adjective
granitoid adjective

Examples of granite in a Sentence

had the granite to see the project out to the end
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Practically any type of countertop would have blended beautifully with the rich blue hue that envelopes this kitchen, but this shade of granite makes a gorgeous statement. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025 In his first term, Trump mulled adding gold leaf to the white granite building. Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025 Cederquist accepted a variety of bribes including inventory from the water company valued in the thousands of dollars; a $750 granite post and mailbox; a new driveway valued at over $10,000; and a snowblower valued at nearly $2,000. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025 The core loop spans 18 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain, winding from Colchuck Lake’s turquoise waters to the Upper Enchantment Basin’s moonscape of polished granite and scattered tarns. Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for granite

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of granite was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Granite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/granite. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

granite

noun
gran·​ite ˈgran-ət How to pronounce granite (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on granite

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