stalactite

noun

sta·​lac·​tite stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt How to pronounce stalactite (audio)
also ˈsta-lək-
: a deposit of calcium carbonate (such as calcite) resembling an icicle hanging from the roof or sides of a cave
stalactitic
ˌsta-(ˌ)lak-ˈti-tik How to pronounce stalactite (audio)
stə-ˌlak-
adjective

Illustration of stalactite

Illustration of stalactite
  • stalactite and stalagmite

Examples of stalactite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their headlamps piercing the watery dark, the group swims along (only Sara has accepted a life jacket), admiring the bats and stalactites while Wat reminds them to respect the caves. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 The caves are adorned with 60-metre-long stalactites which descend from the roof like mesmerising aliens. — James Rampton, TheWeek, 9 July 2026 Patrons who take advantage of this beautiful 45-55 minute tour will get to see all kinds of formations, created by its speleothem growth (speleothem is the catch-all term for mineral growths like stalactites, columns, and stalagmites). — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 4 July 2026 Marvel at a majestic semi-open cave with captivating stalactites, and take a break from sightseeing in the sunny city by cooling off in its fresh water. — Regina Zumarraga, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalactite

Word History

Etymology

New Latin stalactites, from Greek stalaktos dripping, from stalassein to let drip

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stalactite was in 1677

Rhymes for stalactite

See All Rhymes for stalactite

Browse Nearby Words

stalactiform
stalactite
stalactitic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stalactite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalactite. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stalactite

noun
sta·​lac·​tite stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt How to pronounce stalactite (audio)
: a deposit of calcium carbonate resembling an icicle hanging from the roof or sides of a cavern
Etymology

from scientific Latin stalactites "stalactite," from Greek stalaktos (adjective) "dripping"

More from Merriam-Webster on stalactite

Nglish: Translation of stalactite for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stalactite

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