cornerstone

noun

cor·​ner·​stone ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn How to pronounce cornerstone (audio)
1
: a stone forming a part of a corner or angle in a wall
specifically : such a stone laid at a formal ceremony
2
: a basic element : foundation
a cornerstone of foreign policy

Examples of cornerstone in a Sentence

Officials held a ceremony to lay the cornerstone for a new library. Trust is the cornerstone of their relationship.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As products shift from enhancing operations to becoming operational cornerstones, management complexity increases. Thomas Ryd, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 The office chair, often overlooked as just an accessory to a desk, is a cornerstone of this setup. Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025 Under the current administration, countering religious persecution abroad must also be a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 More than 850 local suppliers contributed to the ambitious task of constructing the legendary town of Macondo from the ground up, turning a cornerstone of Colombian literature into a tangible, culturally rich reality. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cornerstone

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cornerstone was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Cornerstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornerstone. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

cornerstone

noun
cor·​ner·​stone ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn How to pronounce cornerstone (audio)
1
: a stone forming part of a corner in a wall
2
: something of basic importance
the cornerstone of our foreign policy

More from Merriam-Webster on cornerstone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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