Word: Marble

Pronunciation

/ˈmɑːbl/

Definitions

• Noun: A hard, typically non-glossy stone that can be polished to a high shine, often used for sculpture, building, or as a decorative material. It usually has a veined or variegated appearance due to its formation process. Example: “The statue was carved from pure white marble.”

  • As a verb: (informal) To cover or decorate with or as if with marble, especially to produce a marbled effect. Example: “She decided to marble the countertops to give her kitchen a luxurious touch.”

• Adjective: Relating to or made of marble. Example: “Marble floors add elegance to the foyer.”

Phrases

• “A rolling marble gathers no moss”: This metaphorical phrase suggests that constant activity prevents stagnation or decay.
• “To have (or lose) one’s marbles”: This idiomatic expression means to have (or lose) one’s sanity or mental faculties.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The ancient Greeks were known for their intricate marble sculptures.”
• Adjective: “The library featured a grand marble staircase leading up to the reading rooms.”

Synonyms

• Stone
• Alabaster
• Granite
• Slate (for other types of stones)
• Inlaid (for the decorative aspect)
• Variegated (describing the pattern)

In the context of “marbling” as a verb:

• Pattern
• Swirl
• Vein
• Stain
• Dapple (referring to creating a mottled or marbled effect on a surface)