# quarry

/ˈkwɔɹi/ (US) · /kwˈɒɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/quarry
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. stone mine

noun · CEFR B2

a large, deep hole in the ground where people dig out stone, like marble or granite, for building.

For teachers: an open-pit excavation from which stone, slate, or other minerals are extracted for industrial or construction use.

- The workers spent all day at the limestone quarry cutting large blocks for the new library.
- The abandoned granite quarry has since filled with rainwater, creating a deep pool that is popular with local swimmers despite the safety warnings.

### 2. hunted animal or person

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

an animal or person that is being hunted or followed.

For teachers: an animal or person being hunted or pursued; the object of a search or chase.

- The hunters followed their quarry deep into the dark forest.
- The detective remained patient, waiting for his quarry to make a single mistake that would reveal his hidden location.

### 4. glass pane

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Archaic

a small, diamond-shaped piece of glass used in a window.

For teachers: a diamond-shaped pane of glass or a tile used in decorative flooring or windows.

- The old cottage had windows made of small glass quarries held together with lead.
- The restoration team carefully replaced each cracked quarry in the stained-glass window to match the original medieval design.

## Examples

- The workers extract limestone from the local quarry.
- The old granite quarry has been filled with water and is now a popular spot for local swimmers.
- The detective pursued his quarry through the narrow alleys of the old city, never losing sight of the suspect despite the thickening fog.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.