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

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

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