Illustration of cusp
- 1 cusp d
a
: a point of transition (as from one historical period to the next) : turning point
b
: either horn of a crescent moon
c
: a fixed point on a mathematical curve at which a point tracing the curve would exactly reverse its direction of motion
d
: an ornamental pointed projection formed by or arising from the intersection of two arcs or foils (see foil entry 2 sense 4)
e(1)
: a point on the grinding surface of a tooth
(2)
: a fold or flap of a cardiac valve
Examples of cusp in a Sentence
the cusp of a tooth
medical researchers who are on the cusp of a major breakthrough
Recent Examples on the Web
So here’s an album just on the cusp of the new decade into the early Seventies.
—
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
On Tuesday, Sammon and Britton projected a three- or four-year deal for Alonso valued right around the cusp of the nine-figure mark, which the five-time All-Star might well view as a disappointment the second time around.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
And Laci Kaye Booth and Mae Estes, but I have a feeling all of those girls are right on the cusp.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
Oh, 6-0 Georgia Tech’s right on the cusp of the bracket (after beating 2-5 Virginia Tech 35-20)?
—Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cusp
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Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
On Tuesday, Sammon and Britton projected a three- or four-year deal for Alonso valued right around the cusp of the nine-figure mark, which the five-time All-Star might well view as a disappointment the second time around.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
And Laci Kaye Booth and Mae Estes, but I have a feeling all of those girls are right on the cusp.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
Oh, 6-0 Georgia Tech’s right on the cusp of the bracket (after beating 2-5 Virginia Tech 35-20)?
—Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cusp
Cite this Entry
“Cusp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cusp. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cusp
noun
: a point or pointed end or part: as
a
: either of the pointed ends of a crescent moon
b
: a point on the grinding surface of a tooth
c
: a fold or flap of a heart valve
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