Illustration of stalactite
- stalactite and stalagmite
stalactite
noun
sta·lac·tite
stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt 
also ˈsta-lək-
: a deposit of calcium carbonate (such as calcite) resembling an icicle hanging from the roof or sides of a cave
Examples of stalactite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Divers and snorkelers can explore the geological wonder’s caverns and stalactites that reach up to 40 feet.
—
Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
If the kids are a bit older, the Crystal Caves complex is an otherworldly experience that involves descending underground to view a clear lake, 55-feet in width, as well as a series of stalactites, while walking across pontoon bridges.
—Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2025
The park is best known for its extensive limestone cave system with stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones.
—Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 21 Aug. 2025
The park is also home to the Reed Flute Cave, a cave filled with several different stalactites and stalagmites.
—Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
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Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
If the kids are a bit older, the Crystal Caves complex is an otherworldly experience that involves descending underground to view a clear lake, 55-feet in width, as well as a series of stalactites, while walking across pontoon bridges.
—Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2025
The park is best known for its extensive limestone cave system with stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones.
—Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 21 Aug. 2025
The park is also home to the Reed Flute Cave, a cave filled with several different stalactites and stalagmites.
—Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalactite
Cite this Entry
“Stalactite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalactite. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stalactite
noun
sta·lac·tite
stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt
: 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"
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