English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

limestone

LYM-stohn
Quiz me More like this

Limestone (noun) means a common sedimentary rock made mostly of calcium carbonate, formed from ancient marine deposits. Example: “The cliffs are made of white limestone.”

noun
1
A common sedimentary rock made mostly of calcium carbonate, formed from ancient marine deposits.
"The cliffs are made of white limestone."
"Caves often form in limestone because water slowly dissolves the soft rock."
"The old church was built from local limestone."

How to use limestone

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA widespread rock type used in construction and formed from ancient sea sediment.

Common pairings
limestone cliffs limestone quarry
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like limestone.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
limestones
Test yourself on “limestone” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The cliffs are made of white _____.

Etymology

From lime plus stone.

Rhymes for limestone

See all rhymes for limestone →

Frequently asked questions

What does “limestone” mean?
The word “limestone” means a common sedimentary rock made mostly of calcium carbonate, formed from ancient marine deposits. In plain terms, a widespread rock type used in construction and formed from ancient sea sediment.
How do you pronounce “limestone”?
“Limestone” is pronounced LYM-stohn (/ˈlaɪmˌstoʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “limestone” in a sentence?
Here is “limestone” used in a sentence: “The cliffs are made of white limestone.”
What part of speech is “limestone”?
“Limestone” is a noun.
Is “limestone” a common word?
“Limestone” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between limestone and other sedimentary rocks?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock made mostly of calcium carbonate, formed from ancient marine deposits such as shells and coral. Other sedimentary rocks, like sandstone or shale, form from different materials such as sand grains or compacted mud rather than marine calcium carbonate.
What is limestone commonly used for?
Limestone is widely used as a building and construction material and is also a key ingredient in cement production. Its abundance and workability have made it a common choice throughout history.