limestone

noun

lime·​stone ˈlīm-ˌstōn How to pronounce limestone (audio)
: a rock that is formed chiefly by accumulation of organic remains (such as shells or coral), consists mainly of calcium carbonate, is extensively used in building, and yields lime when burned

Examples of limestone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On either side of its Cream de Lyon limestone fireplace are more shelves, crafted from eucalyptus wood, which display books and other objets d’art. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 3 Mar. 2024 The result is a limestone deposit known as Biorock. Stephen Armstrong, WIRED, 26 Feb. 2024 Excavations of the gravel riverbed also uncovered a stone urn, a limestone carving of a man’s face, other limestone artifacts, bricks and tile pieces, archaeologists said. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2024 But the two-story residence — regally appointed with French limestone columns, custom Schoenbeck chandeliers, curved stairs, walnut floors, decorative moldings and soaring ceilings — has been updated with modern features. David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 22 Feb. 2024 Part of the great tomb was once cloaked in granite blocks rather than limestone. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Feb. 2024 The main floor features a dramatic foyer with limestone archways and a vaulted ceiling, and a spacious living room with an ornate fireplace, decorative moldings, and extravagant textured wallpaper. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2024 Halle Berry’s Malibu Beach Home An ultra-modern beachfront home in Malibu has been listed for $18 million by actress Halle Berry, complete with floor-to-ceiling ocean-facing windows, a marble and limestone spa-style bathroom and 5,000 square feet of living space. Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 The Bath Skyline walk is the perfect way to do so, as the circular route loops through the countryside and provides panoramic views of the city's limestone buildings in the distance. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'limestone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limestone was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near limestone

Cite this Entry

“Limestone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limestone. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

limestone

noun
lime·​stone ˈlīm-ˌstōn How to pronounce limestone (audio)
: a rock that is formed chiefly from animal remains (as shells or coral), consists mainly of calcium carbonate, is used in building, and gives lime when burned

More from Merriam-Webster on limestone

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