landmark

noun

land·​mark ˈland-ˌmärk 

1

: an object (such as a stone or tree) that marks the boundary of land

2

a

: a conspicuous object on land that marks a locality

b

: an anatomical structure used as a point of orientation in locating other structures

3

: an event or development that marks a turning point or a stage

4

: a structure (such as a building) of unusual historical and usually aesthetic interest

especially : one that is officially designated and set aside for preservation

Synonyms

• climacteric
• climax
• corner
• milepost
• milestone
• turning point
• watershed

Examples of landmark in a Sentence

The Golden Gate Bridge is a famous landmark in San Francisco.

The battlefield is a national historical landmark.

The moon landing is a landmark in space exploration.

The decision was a landmark in legal history.

Recent Examples on the Web

This landmark ruling not only brought relief to countless couples who had long been denied the freedom to marry but also signaled a broader cultural shift toward acceptance and equality. —Dan Sweeney, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2024

The landmark hotel is a popular meeting place with celebrated restaurants like Restaurant SOLC, famed for their luxurious Sunday brunches, and La Dolce Vitae, set on a fantastic rooftop. —Jamie Ditaranto, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2024

Putin’s trip follows Kim’s landmark visit to Russia last year, where the two leaders were widely seen as opening this new chapter in their relations predicated on Putin’s need for North Korean arms for its ongoing offensive. —Simone McCarthy, CNN, 19 June 2024

The adorable village of Solvang, Calif. may call to mind the Netherlands for many Americans, given its landmark windmill, but the town is actually a tribute to a nearby European destination: Denmark. —Mackenzie Schmidt, Peoplemag, 19 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

landmark

noun

land·​mark ˈlan(d)-ˌmärk 

1

: an object that marks the boundary of land

2

a

: a usually large object on land that is easy to see and can help a person find the way to a place near it

b

: an important building or monument

historical landmarks

3

: an event that marks a turning point

Medical Definition

landmark

noun

land·​mark -ˌmärk 

1

: an anatomical structure used as a point of orientation in locating other structures (as in surgical procedures)

2

: a point on the body or skeleton from which anthropological measurements are taken

Legal Definition

landmark

noun

land·​mark

often attributive

1

: an object (as a stone or tree) that marks a boundary of land

2

: an event or development that marks a turning point or stage

a landmark decision

3

: a structure (as a building) of unusual historical or aesthetic interest

especially : one that is officially designated and set aside for preservation