pebble

noun peb·ble \ ˈpe-bəl \

|Updated on: 20 Jun 2018

Definition of pebble

1 : a small usually rounded stone especially when worn by the action of water

2 : transparent and colorless quartz : rock crystal

3 : an irregular, crinkled, or grainy surface

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pebbly

play \ˈpe-b(ə-)lē\ adjective

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Recent Examples of pebble from the Web

The birds must drop pebbles into the pitcher to raise the water level and nab their prize.

— National Geographic, "5 Surprising Raccoon Superpowers," 13 June 2018
Incredibles 2, like so many other wonderments from this premier animation house, left a little pebble in my shoe, a pea under the mattress, that kept me from fully embracing it.

— graeme mcmillan, The Hollywood Reporter, "'The Incredibles 2': What the Critics Are Saying," 11 June 2018
Incredibles 2, like so many other wonderments from this premier animation house, left a little pebble in my shoe, a pea under the mattress, that kept me from fully embracing it.

— richard lawson, HWD, "Incredibles 2 Review: Superhero Action That’s Familiar, but Fantastic," 11 June 2018
Quickly though, singer Sydney Bennett, who performs as Syd and got her start as DJ and producer for Odd Future, steals away to seduce a would-be lover, tossing pebbles at a window.

— randall roberts, latimes.com, "California Sounds: New music and videos from L.A. band the Internet and Compton rapper Boogie," 7 June 2018
Among their findings: assorted tools for processing ochre, such as grindstones, and a limestone pebble with ochre residue on one side.

— gemma tarlach, Discover Magazine, "Pigment of Our Imagination," 23 Mar. 2018
Top-dress the soil with polished pebbles for a smooth, modern feel.

— Country Living, "How to Make a Succulent Window Box," 13 Mar. 2018
Stop to drizzle in the oil and 1 tablespoon of the honey, then add the butter and pulse, about 12 times, until the butter is the size of small pebbles.

— ellie krieger, charlotteobserver, "Mixed-berry galette makes dessert easy as pie," 29 May 2018
Maintenance crews have cleared the parking lot, but the cratered beach and access ways are still littered with pebbles, gravel, big stones, and the occasional boulder.

— johanna seltz, BostonGlobe.com, "State aims to return the beach to Nantasket," 4 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pebble.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.