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

The preparations for Ovechkin’s run to the milestone goal began much earlier than that. —Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025

This milestone stands out in China‘s sluggish consumption environment marked by weak domestic and overseas demand. —Li Jun, Footwear News, 6 Apr. 2025

Aside from this major milestone, Ovechkin has reached 40 goals in a season for a 14th time in his career, the most in league history, despite sitting out 16 games at the beginning of this season because of a broken left fibula. —Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 6 Apr. 2025

In 2023, the two former enemies cemented a new strategic relationship, a move seen as a milestone in U.S. foreign policy. —Tung Ngo, New York Times, 6 Apr. 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