pebble

1 of 2

noun

peb·​ble ˈpe-bəl 

1

: a small usually rounded stone especially when worn by the action of water

2

: transparent and colorless quartz : rock crystal

3

: an irregular, crinkled, or grainy surface

pebbly

ˈpe-b(ə-)lē 

adjective

pebble

2 of 2

verb

pebbled; pebbling ˈpe-b(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to pelt with pebbles

2

: to pave or cover with pebbles or something resembling pebbles

3

: to grain (a material, such as leather) so as to produce a rough and irregularly indented surface

Examples of pebble in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This proved to be the perfect entryway for sweaters with difficult-to-obtain, high-quality cashmere threads (for colors, think sea moss, camel, or pebble grey) but nonetheless restrained the clothing item’s creative free will. —Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 15 Dec. 2024

Placing a humidifier near your jasmine plant or setting the container on a pebble tray with water will help increase humidity levels around your indoor jasmine. —Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Dec. 2024

Verb

Stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Alba are swapping out their smooth canvas and pebbled leather bags for purses with textured details. —Melissa Epifano, Peoplemag, 28 July 2024

There can be many pros to this and experts say parents can also benefit from engaging in some pebbling with their kids. —Kristina Behr, Parents, 25 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English pobble, from Old English papolstān, from papol- (of unknown origin) + stān stone

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pebble

1 of 2 noun

peb·​ble ˈpeb-əl 

1

: a small rounded stone

2

: an uneven, wrinkled, or grainy surface

pebblelike

-əl-ˌ(l)īk

adjective

pebbly

-(ə-)lē 

adjective

pebble

2 of 2 verb

pebbled; pebbling ˈpeb-(ə-)liŋ 

: to produce an uneven, wrinkled, or grainy surface on