milestone

noun

mile·​stone ˈmī(-ə)l-ˌstōn How to pronounce milestone (audio)
1
: a stone serving as a milepost (see milepost sense 1)
2
: a significant point in development
Graduating from college was an important milestone in her life.

Illustration of milestone

Illustration of milestone
  • milestone 1

Examples of milestone in a Sentence

the new drug was regarded as a milestone in the treatment of heart disease
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.
Changing Preference For Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry In the case of jewelry purchases, those needs are primarily around milestone life events, holiday and occasional gifting. Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 To celebrate the milestone, a deluxe edition of the historical fiction book is available wherever books are sold. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025 Willis has largely retreated from the spotlight in recent years amid his battle with dementia, received an outpouring of love from his wife and daughters, as well as Moore, who remains a close friend, on the milestone birthday. Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025 Monk couldn’t help but marvel at DeRozan’s milestone despite frustrations over the loss. Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for milestone

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of milestone was in 1662

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Cite this Entry

“Milestone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/milestone. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

milestone

noun
mile·​stone ˈmī(ə)l-ˌstōn How to pronounce milestone (audio)
1
: a milepost made of stone
2
: an important point in progress or development

More from Merriam-Webster on milestone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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