cornerstone

noun

cor·​ner·​stone ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn 

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

Synonyms

• base
• basis
• bedrock
• bottom
• footing
• foundation
• ground
• groundwork
• keystone
• root
• underpinning
• warp
• warp and woof

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

Collaboration, foresight, and ethical practices will be the cornerstones of success in the year ahead. —Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Health care systems across Europe are a cornerstone of public trust. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Embracing impermanence has been a cornerstone of Mowry’s courage, amid such a major life transition. —Essence, 17 Dec. 2024

Turning Data into Actionable Insights Data has long been a cornerstone of strategic decision-making, but the ability to convert vast datasets into actionable insights is becoming increasingly critical. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cornerstone

noun

cor·​ner·​stone ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn 

1

: a stone forming part of a corner in a wall

2

: something of basic importance

the cornerstone of our foreign policy