pebble

Everyday

1. A pebble is a small, smooth, round stone, often found on beaches and in rivers. tree →
2. Pebbles are rounded because water rubbed them for a long time. tree →

In the lessons

In science pebbles show erosion: moving water and waves wear rough rocks into smooth stones. In everyday life children collect pebbles, skim them on water, and see pebble beaches. Phrases: «a pebble beach», «skim pebbles», «as smooth as a pebble».

Examples

• She found a white pebble on the beach. tree →
• We skimmed pebbles across the lake. tree →
• The river had rolled the pebbles until they were smooth. tree →
• The path was covered with grey pebbles. tree →
• Never throw pebbles at people or cars. tree →
• Put some pebbles at the bottom of the fish tank. tree →
• In the story Hansel dropped white pebbles to find the way home. tree →
• The other denied in anger that he had thrown the pebble. tree →

Note

Countable: one pebble, many pebbles. A pebble is bigger than a grain of sand or gravel but smaller than a rock or boulder. Do not put small pebbles in your mouth or nose; young children can choke on them.