Illustration of cusp
- 1 cusp d
a
: a point of transition (as from one historical period to the next) : turning point
b
: either horn of a crescent moon
c
: a fixed point on a mathematical curve at which a point tracing the curve would exactly reverse its direction of motion
d
: an ornamental pointed projection formed by or arising from the intersection of two arcs or foils (see foil entry 2 sense 4)
e(1)
: a point on the grinding surface of a tooth
(2)
: a fold or flap of a cardiac valve
Examples of cusp in a Sentence
the cusp of a tooth
medical researchers who are on the cusp of a major breakthrough
Recent Examples on the Web
Unfortunately for me, the cusp of my adulthood was marred by yet another international calamity: the 2008 financial crisis.
—
Lauren Stienstra, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
The indexes are right on the cusp of what stands as pretty obvious resistance on the charts.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025
Or, to put it another way, Arne Slot has had better ideas during his 30-year career as a professional footballer and now a manager, which has brought him to the cusp of this season’s Premier League title with Liverpool.
—Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
During Todd Golden’s rise to the cusp of the Final Four, Florida guard Will Richard has been by his coach’s side, serving as the foundation and glue for a once-rebuilding program.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
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Lauren Stienstra, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
The indexes are right on the cusp of what stands as pretty obvious resistance on the charts.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025
Or, to put it another way, Arne Slot has had better ideas during his 30-year career as a professional footballer and now a manager, which has brought him to the cusp of this season’s Premier League title with Liverpool.
—Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
During Todd Golden’s rise to the cusp of the Final Four, Florida guard Will Richard has been by his coach’s side, serving as the foundation and glue for a once-rebuilding program.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cusp
Cite this Entry
“Cusp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cusp. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cusp
noun
: a point or pointed end or part: as
a
: either of the pointed ends of a crescent moon
b
: a point on the grinding surface of a tooth
c
: a fold or flap of a heart valve
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