chalk
Chalk (noun) means a soft white rock made of limestone, or a stick of similar material used for writing or drawing. Example: “The teacher wrote the date on the board with chalk.”
How to Use Chalk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA soft white mineral used for writing, marking, or improving grip.
To "chalk something up to" means to attribute it to a cause (e.g. "chalk it up to bad luck") — a different idiomatic use from the physical substance.
Word Forms
chalked past tense, chalks plural, Chalks plural, chalks singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The teacher wrote the date on the board with _____.
Etymology
From Old English cealc, ultimately borrowed from Latin calx ("limestone"), from Greek khalix ("pebble").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for chalk
See all rhymes for chalk →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “chalk” mean?
The word “chalk” means a soft white rock made of limestone, or a stick of similar material used for writing or drawing. In plain terms, a soft white mineral used for writing, marking, or improving grip.
How do you pronounce “chalk”?
“Chalk” is pronounced chawk (/t͡ʃɔk/ in IPA).
How do you use “chalk” in a sentence?
Here is “chalk” used in a sentence: “The teacher wrote the date on the board with chalk.”
What part of speech is “chalk”?
Depending on how it is used, “chalk” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “chalk” come from?
The word “chalk” comes from Latin. From Old English cealc, ultimately borrowed from Latin calx ("limestone"), from Greek khalix ("pebble").
Is “chalk” a common word?
“Chalk” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “chalk” have?
“Chalk” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a soft white rock made of limestone, or a stick of similar material used for writing or drawing.
Is chalk a rock or a mineral?
Chalk is a soft, white sedimentary rock made of limestone, not a single mineral. It has traditionally been shaped into sticks for writing or drawing.
What is the difference between blackboard chalk and gym chalk?
Blackboard chalk is the soft limestone rock used for writing on chalkboards. Gym or climbing chalk is a powdered chalk-like substance used to improve grip in sports such as climbing, gymnastics, and weightlifting, though both are commonly just called 'chalk.'
Can chalk be used as a verb?
Yes. As a verb, to chalk means to mark or write something using chalk, as in 'chalk the score on the board.'
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