Marble Meaning

UK /ˈmɑː.bəl/
US /ˈmɑːr.bəl/
Word Definition
marble meaning

Marble Definition & Usage

noun

A hard, crystalline rock that is often used in sculpture and architecture, typically characterized by its veins of color and smooth texture. It is primarily composed of calcium carbonate and is formed from limestone under high pressure and temperature.

Examples

  • "The grand foyer of the palace was paved with marble tiles that reflected the light beautifully."
  • "She admired the marble bust of the ancient philosopher, noting the fine detail of the artist's work."
  • "The kitchen countertops were made of polished marble, giving the room a luxurious feel."
  • "During the excavation, archaeologists uncovered a marble sculpture that was thousands of years old."
  • "The statue in the courtyard was carved from a single block of white marble, its surface smooth and flawless."
noun

A small spherical object, typically made of glass or clay, that is used in various children's games.

Examples

  • "The children spent hours playing marbles, carefully flicking the tiny spheres to land inside the designated ring."
  • "He showed me his collection of marbles, each one with a unique design and vibrant colors."
  • "In the old days, marbles were a common game in schoolyards across the country."
  • "She won the game of marbles by knocking all her opponent's marbles out of the circle."
  • "They traded marbles with each other, always looking for rarer and more colorful ones."
verb

To move or roll like a marble, often used metaphorically to describe smooth, rolling motion.

Examples

  • "The car marbled down the winding road, its tires skimming over the wet surface."
  • "He marbled the ball across the table, trying to get it to land in the cup."
  • "The marble of the boat as it rocked on the waves was both calming and hypnotic."
  • "The dice marbled across the floor before coming to a stop, leaving everyone in suspense."
  • "The players marbled the ball toward the goal with precision, aiming for a perfect shot."

Cultural Context

Marble has been a symbol of both luxury and durability throughout history, used extensively in ancient Greek and Roman sculptures and architecture. In modern times, it remains a popular choice for high-end construction and art pieces. Marbles, the game, have also played a significant role in childhood games across many cultures and periods, often representing innocence and nostalgia.

The Marble Game

Story

The Marble Game

On a quiet afternoon in the small town of Riverwood, two old friends, Jake and Liam, sat on a wooden bench in the park, reminiscing about their childhood. Their conversation soon turned to marbles – not the precious stone, but the colorful glass spheres that had once dominated their summers. 'You remember how we used to play marbles here?' Jake asked, smiling at the memory. 'I must have lost hundreds of them in that circle.' Liam chuckled, adjusting his worn-out baseball cap. 'You lost more than that, I think. But I never understood how you got your marbles to roll just right. You always had the smoothest flick.' Jake reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch. 'I still have a few left. I can't bring myself to part with them. They've got history.' Liam leaned in, intrigued. 'Show me.' Jake carefully spilled the contents onto the bench, revealing a small collection of marbles, each one unique in its color and swirl. There was one with streaks of blue and green, another with a gold shimmer, and a third that seemed to glow in the sunlight. 'Wow, these are beautiful,' Liam said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. 'I remember the time you traded me one of these for my rare red one. You always knew how to find the best.' Jake smiled, picking up the blue and green marble. 'I guess I still have an eye for them.' He flicked it gently with his thumb, and it rolled smoothly along the bench before coming to a stop against Liam's leg. 'Looks like you haven't lost your touch,' Liam said, shaking his head in disbelief. 'These marbles may be small, but they carry a lot of memories.' As they sat there, surrounded by the sounds of children laughing and playing nearby, it was clear that for both of them, marbles were more than just a game. They were a connection to the past, a reminder of simpler days. In that moment, Jake's fingers brushed against the cool surface of a marble statue in the park, a piece of art that had stood there for decades. It was crafted from the same material as the marbles in his hand, and the smooth, polished surface gleamed in the sunlight. 'You know, some things never change,' Jake said thoughtfully. 'Like marble. Whether it's a game or a sculpture, it's always something you can count on.' Liam nodded. 'Just like the memories we make with them.'

The Marble Game