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
Where to Stay The Hedges Inn The owners of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach have refreshed The Hedges Inn, a beloved landmark right on the cusp of East Hampton town.
—
Elise Taylor, Vogue, 13 June 2025
Think about last year’s BYU team that went 10-2 but didn’t have a chance at an at-large bid while three loss SEC teams like Alabama, Ole Miss and South Carolina were right on the cusp of getting into the field.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Western Conference finals MVP. Oklahoma City advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden took the 2012 team to the cusp of the Promised Land.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Late goals by Seth Jones and Carter Verhaeghe less than two minutes apart lifted the Cats to the cusp of advancing).
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cusp
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Elise Taylor, Vogue, 13 June 2025
Think about last year’s BYU team that went 10-2 but didn’t have a chance at an at-large bid while three loss SEC teams like Alabama, Ole Miss and South Carolina were right on the cusp of getting into the field.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Western Conference finals MVP. Oklahoma City advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden took the 2012 team to the cusp of the Promised Land.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Late goals by Seth Jones and Carter Verhaeghe less than two minutes apart lifted the Cats to the cusp of advancing).
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 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 28 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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