limestone

noun

lime·​stone ˈlīm-ˌstōn 

: a rock that is formed chiefly by accumulation of organic remains (such as shells or coral), consists mainly of calcium carbonate, is extensively used in building, and yields lime when burned

Examples of limestone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What the 1998 demolition unexpectedly uncovered roiled Miami and provoked a worldwide outcry — a mysterious set of 24 holes carved into the limestone bedrock in a perfect circle, 38 feet in diameter. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

What Makes Its Beach Unique Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is on the shores of a coquina rock beach, the second largest outcropping of visible limestone shoreline in Florida (the first is Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter). — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 June 2026

Workers feed iron ore, coal and limestone into the furnaces’ top and use long sticks to punch open holes for purified molten iron to flow out from the bottom. — John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

The upper story is covered in wooden clapboards while the ground floor features coquina limestone masonry walls and seashell tabby flooring. — Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing limestone

• nummulitic limestone

Rhymes for limestone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

limestone

noun

lime·​stone ˈlīm-ˌstōn 

: a rock that is formed chiefly from animal remains (as shells or coral), consists mainly of calcium carbonate, is used in building, and gives lime when burned