pebble
UK[ˈpɛb(ə)l]US[ˈpɛb(ə)l]
n
A small, smooth stone, especially one made round by the action of water.
Etymology
The word 'pebble' originates from the Old English 'papol' or 'pyppel', which referred to a small stone. Its ultimate origin is likely onomatopoeic, imitative of the sound of pebbles rattling together. This term is part of a family of related words in other Germanic languages, such as Middle Low German 'pubbel', all pointing to a common root describing small, rounded stones. Over time, the English form stabilized as 'pebble', retaining its core meaning of a small, water-worn stone.
Analysis
The word 'pebble' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It is not productively formed from smaller, recognizable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The child filled his pocket with smooth pebbles from the stream.
The path was covered in loose pebbles that crunched underfoot.
She skipped a flat pebble across the surface of the pond.