sandstone

noun

sand·​stone ˈsan(d)-ˌstōn How to pronounce sandstone (audio)
: a sedimentary rock consisting of usually quartz sand united by some cement (such as silica or calcium carbonate)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The rammed earth walls used in parts of the museum give it warmth, a nod to the sandstone found everywhere in the city’s traditional buildings. Everett Potter, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2022 The ancient sandstone was formed more than 300 million years ago under the shifting seas of the supercontinent Pangaea. Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 22 Dec. 2022 The sandstone was blackened by skidding tires and polished by sliding butts. Peter Rubin, Longreads, 10 Nov. 2022 Water eventually began eroding the sandstone into fins, or narrow, thin rock faces. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2022 This stylish modern glamping destination is set amid the towering sandstone cliffs, mesmerizing slot canyons, and jaw-dropping panoramic vistas of Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2022 Enormous sandstone cliffs, craggy monoliths, soaring eagles, and agile bighorn sheep combine to make Colorado National Monument the stuff of outdoor lovers’ daydreams. Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 22 Sep. 2022 After more than 20 years of neglect, the sandstone was about the only thing that didn’t need repairing. Chelsey Lewis, Journal Sentinel, 15 Dec. 2022 Kitchens connect to underground passageways that tunnel into the sandstone. Amy Chang Chien, New York Times, 6 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sandstone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sandstone was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near sandstone

Cite this Entry

“Sandstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandstone. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Kids Definition

sandstone

noun
sand·​stone -ˌstōn How to pronounce sandstone (audio)
: a rock made of sand held together by a natural cement

More from Merriam-Webster on sandstone

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