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

Living Dead Media has revealed that a new Return of the Living Dead film is due in 2025, a year that marks the milestone 40th anniversary of the 1985 horror cult classic. —Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024

Snoop is now up to a dozen top 10s, while Dre collects his milestone tenth appearance between Nos. 1 and 10 with his latest collaboration. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

During his initial stint with Front Row Motorsports, Lawson achieved significant milestones. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Big life milestones need a manicure to match, after all. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

milestone

noun

mile·​stone ˈmī(ə)l-ˌstōn 

1

: a milepost made of stone

2

: an important point in progress or development