graphite

noun

graph·​ite ˈgra-ˌfīt 

1

: a soft black lustrous form of carbon that conducts electricity and is used in lead pencils and electrolytic anodes, as a lubricant, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors

2

: a composite material in which carbon fibers are the reinforcing material

graphitic

gra-ˈfi-tik 

adjective

Examples of graphite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tiffany experimented and tried several types of media such as watercolors, acrylics, pen, graphite, scratch-board and charcoal. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

Singer, rapper, and actress Shayna McHale (also known as Junglepussy) peeked out from under a single luminous, face-framing curl, which gathered above her graphite gown’s swooping ruffled details. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026

The drawing depicts Yosemite Falls in graphite, ink, chalk and charcoal on paper that sparkles. —Brooke Park, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 Mar. 2026

But these days, the T&N Original Mattress actually does come with cooling gel and graphite inside its layers, so problem solved! —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

German Graphit, from Greek graphein to write

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for graphite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

graphite

noun

graph·​ite ˈgraf-ˌīt 

: a soft shiny black carbon that is used in making lead pencils and as a dry lubricant

Medical Definition

graphite

noun

graph·​ite ˈgraf-ˌīt 

: carbon of a soft black lustrous form that conducts electricity and is used in lead pencils and electrolytic anodes, as a lubricant, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors

called also plumbago

graphitic

gra-ˈfit-ik 

adjective