Stone: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a duplicate. Refer to the first entry for the correct context.

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.

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.

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.