cornerstone

noun

cor·​ner·​stone ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn How to pronounce cornerstone (audio)
1
: a stone forming a part of a corner or angle in a wall
specifically : such a stone laid at a formal ceremony
2
: a basic element : foundation
a cornerstone of foreign policy

Examples of cornerstone in a Sentence

Officials held a ceremony to lay the cornerstone for a new library. Trust is the cornerstone of their relationship.
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.
This has been a cornerstone moment in my career that will live forever. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2025 Campbell is the best offensive lineman in the draft and will be a cornerstone player for the Patriots for the next decade, protecting Drake Maye. 5. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025 Deterrence must therefore remain the cornerstone of Western policy, and especially European strategy, at least in the near term. Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025 Keeping the hitter off balance is the real cornerstone of Imanaga’s mechanical mastery of the art of pitching. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cornerstone

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cornerstone was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cornerstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornerstone. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

cornerstone

noun
cor·​ner·​stone ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn How to pronounce cornerstone (audio)
1
: a stone forming part of a corner in a wall
2
: something of basic importance
the cornerstone of our foreign policy

More from Merriam-Webster on cornerstone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!