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
And people born on the cusp of one generation or the other like to debate their affiliation.
—
Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
Nuclear power, for example, may stand at the cusp of a renaissance.
—Oren Cass, Foreign Affairs, 16 Jan. 2025
Now at the cusp of 30 with a decade in the business, 2024 found him, for the first time in three years, not chasing arena, club, festival and stadium dates as a live performer while simultaneously working as an actor, songwriter and collaborator.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 5 Nov. 2024
The survey taken on the cusp of his inauguration shows both the potential and the landmines as Trump becomes the first president since Grover Cleveland to win the White House, lose his reelection bid and then rebound to win it again.
—Susan Page, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cusp 
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.
Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
Nuclear power, for example, may stand at the cusp of a renaissance.
—Oren Cass, Foreign Affairs, 16 Jan. 2025
Now at the cusp of 30 with a decade in the business, 2024 found him, for the first time in three years, not chasing arena, club, festival and stadium dates as a live performer while simultaneously working as an actor, songwriter and collaborator.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 5 Nov. 2024
The survey taken on the cusp of his inauguration shows both the potential and the landmines as Trump becomes the first president since Grover Cleveland to win the White House, lose his reelection bid and then rebound to win it again.
—Susan Page, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cusp
Dictionary Entries Near cusp
Cite this Entry
“Cusp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cusp. Accessed 16 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share