granular

American  

[gran-yuh-ler] / ˈgræn yə lər /

adjective

1. of the nature of granules; grainy.

2. composed of or bearing granules or grains.

3. showing a granulated structure.

4. highly detailed; having many small and distinct parts.

   data analysis on a granular level.

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granular British  

/ ˈɡrænjʊlə /

adjective

1. of, like, containing, or resembling a granule or granules

2. having a grainy or granulated surface

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Other Word Forms

• granularity
  noun
• granularly
  adverb
• multigranular
  adjective
• nongranular
  adjective
• subgranular
  adjective
• subgranularity
  noun
• subgranularly
  adverb
• ungranular
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of granular

First recorded in 1785–95; granule + -ar ¹

Explanation

Something granular has a grainy texture. Granular sugar is the white kind you find in sugar bowls, and a sandy beach is very granular, too. Anything that's made of tiny bits like sand or grain can be called granular. In fact, it comes from the Latin word granum for "grain." Granular things can also be described as coarse and gritty. A smooth, shiny floor is the opposite of granular. When you see the word granular, think “grain of sand.” Or — “grain of sugar” if that’s more your style.

Example Sentences

Almost as if in answer to fleeing production, an increasing number of high-profile television series have been showcasing Los Angeles on a granular level.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Throughout the documentary, former players describe how Benitez's criticism and obsession with granular tactical detail sometimes jarred.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

"For more than a decade, Spirit played a disruptive role, forcing incumbents to respond with lower fares and more granular prices," said Richard Masler, head of analysis for the Centre for Aviation.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

Dow Jones Energy looks at granular data from gas stations themselves, and its data shows that in April gasoline demand in the U.S. was down more than 5% as compared with April 2025.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

I add a slow release, granular fertilizer that I got Dell to buy at Home Depot.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan