milestone

noun

mile·​stone ˈmī(-ə)l-ˌstōn 

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

• milestone 1

Synonyms

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

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

Baxley, who also figures to be one of Aversa’s top arms on the mound, helped Aversa reach that milestone. —Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025

Measure small successes and quick wins just as much as big milestones—these small victories can build momentum toward larger achievements. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Future revenues may include milestone and royalty payments contingent on regulatory and commercial achievements. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 25 Mar. 2025

Interim data from the trial showed consistent improvements in clinical assessments and developmental milestones in participants receiving the 1E15 vg dose. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for milestone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

milestone

noun

mile·​stone ˈmī(ə)l-ˌstōn 

1

: a milepost made of stone

2

: an important point in progress or development