Stone: meaning, definitions and examples

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stone

[stəʊn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

building material

A hard, solid substance that is found in the ground and is often used for building.

Synonyms

boulder, pebble, rock.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stone	Often used to refer to a small, hard, solid object that you can easily hold in one hand. Commonly used in construction, sculpture, or when describing something solid. He threw a stone into the lake. She picked up a stone from the ground.
rock	A general term for any solid mineral material. It can be used in various sizes and contexts such as geology, construction, or everyday language. He sat on a rock and enjoyed the view. The road was covered with rocks after the landslide.
boulder	Refers to a very large, heavy rock, usually found outside and too large to be picked up by a person. Commonly used in geological or outdoor contexts. A huge boulder blocked the path. The climber struggled to get over the boulder.
pebble	Describes a small, usually smooth rock that can be easily held in hand, often found on beaches or near rivers. She collected pebbles from the riverbank. The children were skipping pebbles across the water.

Examples of usage

The house was made of stone.
The castle walls were built with large stones.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

gemstone

A hard, precious mineral that is often used in jewelry.

Synonyms

crystal, gem, jewel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stone	Use this term for a generic reference to hard, solid, non-metallic minerals, particularly those used in construction or as landscape materials. It can also denote a piece of rock smaller than a boulder but larger than a pebble. The garden path was paved with stone. He threw a stone into the lake.
gem	Gems are precious or semi-precious stones typically cut and polished for use in jewelry. This word is used when emphasizing beauty, value, and rarity. The ring was adorned with a beautiful sapphire gem. She inherited a collection of gems from her grandmother.
jewel	This term is best for referring to objects of high value made from precious metals and stones, especially in the context of jewelry. It often emphasizes craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. The crown was encrusted with glittering jewels. He bought her a lovely pair of jeweled earrings.
crystal	This word is suitable for describing highly transparent and finely structured minerals, especially those with a clear, geometric shape. It is often used in scientific or decorative contexts. The scientist examined the crystal under a microscope. She wore a necklace with a crystal pendant.

Examples of usage

She wore a beautiful necklace with a shiny stone.
The ring was adorned with a sparkling stone.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to throw

To throw stones or rocks at someone or something.

Synonyms

cast, hurl, throw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stone	This is a duplicate. Refer to the first entry for the correct context.
throw	This is a general term suitable for most casual contexts involving sending an object through the air. She can throw a baseball really far. Please throw me the remote control.
hurl	This word suggests a forceful and often angry or urgent throwing. It has a strong, intense connotation. He hurled the ball across the field. The protesters began to hurl rocks at the building.
cast	This word implies a somewhat lighter or more deliberate action of throwing, often used in literary or formal contexts. She cast the fishing line into the river. The wizard cast a spell over the kingdom.

Examples of usage

The kids were playing by the river, throwing stones into the water.
The protesters were pelting the building with stones.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'stone' comes from the Old English 'stan,' related to similar words in various languages like German 'Stein' and Latin 'lapis.'
In many ancient cultures, stones were among the first materials used for tools, leading to the 'Stone Age' period in human history.

Cultural Significance

Stones have symbolic meanings in various cultures, often representing stability, strength, and permanence.
The famous 'Stonehenge' in England is a prehistoric monument made of massive stones, believed to have been used for rituals and astronomical observations.

Nature

Stones form through geological processes over thousands of years, including cooling magma or sediment compaction.
Some stones, like granite, are known for their durability and are commonly used in buildings and countertops.

Literature

In poetry and prose, stones often symbolize obstacles in life or serve as metaphors for enduring strength and resilience.
Famous poems, such as Robert Frost's 'The Road Not Taken,' use imagery of stones and paths to reflect on choices and life's journey.

Science

Geologists classify stones based on their formation process into three main types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Stones can host fossils, providing insights into ancient life forms and Earth’s historical climate.

Translations

Translations of the word "stone" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pedra

🇮🇳 पत्थर (patthar)

🇩🇪 Stein

🇮🇩 batu

🇺🇦 камінь

🇵🇱 kamień

🇯🇵 石 (ishi)

🇫🇷 pierre

🇪🇸 piedra

🇹🇷 taş

🇰🇷 돌 (dol)

🇸🇦 حجر (hajar)

🇨🇿 kámen

🇸🇰 kameň

🇨🇳 石头 (shítou)

🇸🇮 kamen

🇮🇸 steinn

🇰🇿 тас (tas)

🇬🇪 ქვა (kva)

🇦🇿 daş

🇲🇽 piedra

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,383, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

...
1380 traditional
1381 race
1382 motor
1383 stone
1384 wind
1385 corresponding
1386 index
...