stones

word · lemma: stone

/ˈstoʊnz/
stohnz
/stˈəʊnz/
stohnz

Definition

Hard pieces of rock found on the ground or used for building. “Stone” can also mean the material rock in general, but “stones” usually means separate pieces.

Usage & Nuances

Usually countable: “a stone,” “three stones.” For small smooth pieces, “pebbles” is often more specific. In American English, “rock” is often more common in everyday speech, while “stone” can sound a bit more literary or be used in fixed phrases like “throw stones” or “stone wall.”

Example Sentences

The road is full of stones.

basic

She picked up three stones from the beach.

basic

The wall was made of large stones.

basic

There were stones in my shoe the whole walk home.

natural

Kids were skipping stones across the lake.

natural

Watch your step—the path is loose stones and mud.

natural