megalith: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

A 'monolith' is a single great stone, often shaped into a pillar or monument (can be modern). A 'megalith' is specifically a large stone used in prehistoric construction, often part of a larger structure like a tomb or circle.

Yes, though it's somewhat literary. It can describe a person, institution, or object that is massive, ancient, seemingly permanent, or difficult to change (e.g., 'a megalith of the banking industry').

Not typically in standard archaeological terminology. While pyramids are made of large stones, 'megalith' usually refers to individual massive stones or structures made from them in a specific prehistoric context (like dolmens or stone circles), not dressed stone masonry on the scale of pyramids.

Yes. You can have one megalith or several megaliths. The related structure 'megalithic tomb' uses it as an adjective.

A very large, often undressed stone, typically from prehistoric times, used in construction or set up as a monument.

Megalith is usually formal, academic, technical in register.

Megalith: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmeɡ.ə.lɪθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmeɡ.ə.lɪθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.