What does marble mean?
Marble is a hard stone valued for its smooth texture, durability, and distinctive veining. It has been used for thousands of years in sculpture, columns, floors, staircases, fireplaces, and other architectural features, often because it can be carved into detailed forms and polished to a reflective finish. The word also refers to small glass or stone balls used in traditional children’s games. In a few art and design contexts, to marble something means to decorate it with irregular streaks or swirls of colour, imitating the appearance of natural stone. Although the best-known marble comes from quarries in several countries and varies greatly in colour and pattern, the term is most strongly associated with the pale, subtly veined stone widely used in classical sculpture. The word is useful not only as the name of a material but also as a description of finely crafted objects, durable decorative surfaces, and a colourful decorative technique.
A hard stone used for sculpture, architecture, and decoration, typically capable of being polished to a smooth finish. The word can also denote a small glass or stone ball used in games.
"The sculpture is made from a single piece of white marble."
When referring to a small game ball, the sense is often modified by words such as “glass” or “toy.”
To decorate something with irregular streaks, veins, or swirls of colour resembling natural marble.
"The designer marbled the paper in shades of violet and gold."
This use is chiefly associated with art, craft, and paper-making; it is less common in general speech.
The plural is used for multiple pieces of stone, individual game pieces, or several objects made from marble.
"Children rolled the marbles across the floor."
From the ancient Greek word for a precious stone, “marble” became both a building material and the name of a small game piece.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does marble come from?
The word entered English through Old French “marble,” which came from Latin “marmor,” meaning marble or stone. Latin “marmor” was borrowed from Greek “marmaros,” referring to marble and related stones. Over time, the term came to designate the material as well as objects and surfaces made from it, while the verb developed from the visual idea of producing marble-like markings.
Related word forms
How marble is actually used
In art and architecture, “marble” can refer both to the natural stone and to objects made from it. The verb “marble” is relatively uncommon and is more often encountered in artistic, craft, and design contexts.