chalk
11 synonyms for chalk, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A soft white rock made of limestone, or a stick of similar material used for writing or drawing.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use chalk
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
chalk it up to
piece of chalk
chalk dust
Etymology
From Old English cealc, ultimately borrowed from Latin calx ("limestone"), from Greek khalix ("pebble").
Full origin of 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.'
