Illustration of stalactite
- stalactite and stalagmite
stalactite
noun
sta·lac·tite
stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt 
also ˈsta-lək-
: a deposit of calcium carbonate (such as calcite) resembling an icicle hanging from the roof or sides of a cave
Examples of stalactite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Conch Bar Caves, on Middle Caicos, are among the biggest subterranean systems, a sinuous network festooned with stalactites and stalagmites.
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Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
In the province of Salerno in southern Italy, the Grotte dell’Angelo is a karst system featuring a unique network of caverns and impressive stalactites hanging from the vaults and stalagmites rising from the floor.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
Similarly, the custom light fixtures above the bar are designed to look like stalactites, and pebbly hiking pathways inspired the terrazzo mosaic flooring throughout.
—AFAR Media, 29 Oct. 2025
It was built in 1954 by mathematician and organist Leland Sprinkle, who spent years identifying which stalactites would produce the right notes.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalactite
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Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
In the province of Salerno in southern Italy, the Grotte dell’Angelo is a karst system featuring a unique network of caverns and impressive stalactites hanging from the vaults and stalagmites rising from the floor.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
Similarly, the custom light fixtures above the bar are designed to look like stalactites, and pebbly hiking pathways inspired the terrazzo mosaic flooring throughout.
—AFAR Media, 29 Oct. 2025
It was built in 1954 by mathematician and organist Leland Sprinkle, who spent years identifying which stalactites would produce the right notes.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalactite
Cite this Entry
“Stalactite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalactite. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stalactite
noun
sta·lac·tite
stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt
: a deposit of calcium carbonate resembling an icicle hanging from the roof or sides of a cavern
Etymology
from scientific Latin stalactites "stalactite," from Greek stalaktos (adjective) "dripping"
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