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 park is best known for its extensive limestone cave system with stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones.
—
Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 21 Aug. 2025
The park is also home to the Reed Flute Cave, a cave filled with several different stalactites and stalagmites.
—Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
Around the same time in a cave in Italy, someone — most likely kids or teens — hurled mud balls at the wall and tried to hit the stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2025
Under the colorful stalactites dripping from the round ceiling of Room XX, a sculpture by Spanish artist Miquel Barceló representing multiculturalism and tolerance, the room was full and attentive.
—Isabelle Mayault, The Dial, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalactite
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Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 21 Aug. 2025
The park is also home to the Reed Flute Cave, a cave filled with several different stalactites and stalagmites.
—Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
Around the same time in a cave in Italy, someone — most likely kids or teens — hurled mud balls at the wall and tried to hit the stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2025
Under the colorful stalactites dripping from the round ceiling of Room XX, a sculpture by Spanish artist Miquel Barceló representing multiculturalism and tolerance, the room was full and attentive.
—Isabelle Mayault, The Dial, 8 July 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 13 Sep. 2025.
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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