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

The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge and Radio City Music Hall are among the more than 200 New York City landmarks that have been miniaturized, lit with twinkling lights and surrounded by lush greenery for the show’s 33rd season. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 26 Dec. 2024

Imagine if Sony San Diego revamped HR Derby as a Diamond Dynasty feature with a points system, challenge pitchers (similar to Showdown), hidden rewards for hitting balls into specific landmarks, or vault-opening opportunities for home runs in certain areas. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024

There are many natural landmarks on our planet named after a biblical destination of eternal damnation. —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Dec. 2024

Here’s what to know after Biden's executive order Eiffel Tower evacuation follows Notre Dame reopening The incident comes weeks after another iconic Paris landmark, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, reopened to the public after being closed for repairs following a 2019 fire. —Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 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