Word
stones
Phoneticsstones
US/ˈstoʊnz/
UK/stˈəʊnz/
Definitions
01pieces of rock
A1 · Beginner Plural noun
n. more than one small, hard piece of rock found on the ground.
n. the plural form of stone, referring to multiple individual pieces of rock or mineral substance.
“The children spent the afternoon skipping stones across the surface of the lake.”
“The path was covered in sharp stones that made walking difficult without thick-soled boots.”
Usage
Countable in this sense.
02unit of weight
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun British English
n. a British unit for measuring how much a person weighs.
n. a British unit of weight equal to 14 pounds (approximately 6.35 kilograms).
“He told the doctor he had lost two stones since his last check-up.”
“Although the metric system is official, many people in the UK still calculate their body weight in stones and pounds.”
Usage
Often remains 'stone' in the plural when used as a measurement (e.g., 'ten stone'), though 'stones' is also used.
03courage
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Slang · Informal
n. a slang word for having a lot of courage or being very brave.
n. a slang term denoting significant courage, nerve, or audacity.
“It took a lot of stones to stand up to the boss like that.”
“The negotiator showed real stones by walking away from the deal when the terms became unfavourable.”
Teaching tip
This term is derived from a vulgar anatomical reference; use it only in very casual or rough company.
Antonyms
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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