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

The Penn State campus happens to sit on a karst formation, where water has slowly altered limestone bedrock, potentially creating a variety of weak spots. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026

Also, grays that occur naturally in flooring materials such as concrete and limestone are still great options, especially when paired with warmer-toned furniture, fixtures and decor. — Jason Rueger, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Bulldozers rolled just miles away from Santa Elena Canyon, a behemoth limestone cleft where the Rio Grande flows between cliffs that grow from the desert floor. — Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

But two new limestone plazas remain underwater, and new plantings were upended. — Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 18 Aug. 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