grindstone

noun

grind·​stone ˈgrīn(d)-ˌstōn How to pronounce grindstone (audio)
1
2
: a flat circular stone of natural sandstone that revolves on an axle and is used for grinding, shaping, or smoothing

Illustration of grindstone

Illustration of grindstone
  • grindstone 2

Examples of grindstone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In a series of discoveries spanning about 23,000 years, archaeologists have found ceremonial arrangements of stones, broken stalactites, a small grindstone, patches of calcite powder, and quartz crystals. science.org, 3 July 2024 Take this as your cosmic cue to roll up your sleeves and put your nose to the grindstone. Tarot.com, Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2024 While the trio will put their nose to the grindstone to uncover the murder of their friend, their journey will also lead them to Hollywood when a studio offers to take their podcast to the big screen. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024 Taurus April 20 – May 20 There are more exciting things to do than putting your nose to the grindstone. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grindstone 

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grindstone was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near grindstone

Cite this Entry

“Grindstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grindstone. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

grindstone

noun
grind·​stone ˈgrīn-ˌstōn How to pronounce grindstone (audio)
: a stone disk that turns on an axle and is used for grinding or sharpening

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