dolomites: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Geographical/Technical
Quick answer
What does “dolomites” mean?
A mountain range in the Italian Alps, primarily in the province of South Tyrol.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mountain range in the Italian Alps, primarily in the province of South Tyrol.
Plural form of 'dolomite', which refers to the sedimentary carbonate rock (calcium magnesium carbonate) or the mineral that forms this rock.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Both dialects use 'the Dolomites' for the mountain range and 'dolomite(s)' for the rock.
Connotations
Evokes images of dramatic, pale-coloured mountains for the range; geological/industrial associations for the rock.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British media due to proximity and popularity as a holiday destination, but the term is well-known in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “dolomites” in a Sentence
[verb] + the Dolomites: visit, hike, climb, see, tour[adjective] + dolomite: magnesium-rich, sedimentary, weatheredVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dolomites” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dolomitic limestone is common in the Peak District.
American English
- They studied the dolomitic formations in the Nevada desert.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of tourism, construction materials, or mining.
Academic
Used in geography, geology, and earth sciences.
Everyday
Primarily refers to the holiday destination or general knowledge of the mountain range.
Technical
Refers specifically to the mineral composition or rock type in geology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dolomites”
- Using a lowercase 'd' when referring to the mountain range ('we visited the dolomites').
- Using 'Dolomite' in the singular to refer to the entire range ('the Dolomite is beautiful').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'The Dolomites' (capitalised) is the proper name of the mountain range in Italy. 'dolomites' (lowercase) is the plural of 'dolomite', referring to pieces or types of the rock/mineral.
No, 'Dolomites' is inherently plural when referring to the mountain range. You would say 'the Dolomites are...'. However, 'Dolomite' can be singular when referring to the rock type ('a piece of dolomite').
They are named after the French mineralogist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu (1750–1801), who first described the carbonate rock dolomite that is predominant in the region.
No. While both are carbonate rocks, limestone is primarily calcium carbonate (calcite), whereas dolomite contains a significant amount of magnesium carbonate. Dolomite is often formed from the alteration of limestone.
A mountain range in the Italian Alps, primarily in the province of South Tyrol.
Dolomites is usually geographical/technical in register.
Dolomites: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒləmaɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdoʊləmaɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As tough as dolomite (very rare, regional/technical).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The DOLomites are in the Italian Alps, and the rock is named after the French mineralogist Déodat de Dolomieu.
Conceptual Metaphor
A fortress of stone (for the mountains); a foundational/building block (for the rock).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you use the lowercase 'dolomites'?