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Definition of grindstone

grindstone

/ˈɡraɪndˌstoʊn/
grind · stone
Plural:grindstones
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grindstone Lexical Profile

grindstone Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Hard, continuous, or monotonous labor (usually referenced in the idiom 'to keep one's nose to the grindstone').

Example

"After a brief weekend away, it was time to return to the grindstone and finish compiling the quarterly financial report."

2

A thick, revolving disk of stone used for sharpening edged tools or for grinding and polishing materials.

Example

"The blacksmith carefully pressed the dull axe blade against the spinning grindstone until a shower of sparks flew and the edge was sharp."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

grime
grindelia
grindle
grindstone
grits
grizzly
grizzly bear

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'grindston' or 'grindestone', formed as a compound of 'grind' and 'stone'. First recorded in the early 13th century.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Grindstone. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/grindstone
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