granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgra-nət 

1

: a very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline texture formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or microcline and used especially for building and for monuments

2

: unyielding firmness or endurance

the cold granite of Puritan formalism

—V. L. Parrington

granitelike

ˈgra-nət-ˌlīk 

adjective

granitic

gra-ˈni-tik 

adjective

granitoid

ˈgra-nə-ˌtȯid 

adjective

Synonyms

• decidedness
• decision
• decisiveness
• determination
• determinedness
• firmness
• purposefulness
• resoluteness
• resolution
• resolve
• stick-to-itiveness

Examples of granite in a Sentence

had the granite to see the project out to the end

Recent Examples on the Web

Each piece features a nonstick granite surface to prevent your food from sticking, and are all PFOA-, cadmium-, and lead-free. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 17 June 2025

Acadia holds some striking natural landmarks—Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, the granite cliffs of Otter Point. —Dinaw Mengestu, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025

The space shows off solid-wood custom inset white cabinetry, pullout drawers, an island with seating and storage, Canadian granite countertops, double sinks, an additional vegetable sink and a custom tile backsplash. —Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2025

One stone touch And a granite nymph begins to run And ran she days on days, and runs, and long. —Christian Schneider, National Review, 12 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian granito, from past participle of granire to granulate, from grano grain, from Latin granum

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for granite

• gannet
• planet
• intranet
• pomegranate

Kids Definition

granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgran-ət 

1

: a very hard rock that can be polished and is used in buildings and monuments

2

: unyielding firmness (as of character, will, or opinion)