landmark

noun

land·​mark ˈland-ˌmärk 

1

: an object (such as a stone or tree) that marks the boundary of land

2

a

: a conspicuous object on land that marks a locality

b

: an anatomical structure used as a point of orientation in locating other structures

3

: an event or development that marks a turning point or a stage

4

: a structure (such as a building) of unusual historical and usually aesthetic interest

especially : one that is officially designated and set aside for preservation

Synonyms

• climacteric
• climax
• corner
• milepost
• milestone
• turning point
• watershed

Examples of landmark in a Sentence

The Golden Gate Bridge is a famous landmark in San Francisco.

The battlefield is a national historical landmark.

The moon landing is a landmark in space exploration.

The decision was a landmark in legal history.

Recent Examples on the Web

The same goes for Deux Ex and Super Meat Boy, both landmark titles in their genres. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025

Women's Health Sector Is Primed For Growth The NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 was a landmark achievement in closing the gender gap in medical research. —Geri Stengel, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

In July, the high court issued a landmark ruling finding that former presidents cannot face charges for official acts, but were not immune from prosecution for unofficial actions. —Robert Legare, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2025

As in 2024, industry guests will be able to network at the landmark Clarion Hotel Draken venue, while market screenings will be held at Göteborg’s Biolapatset multiplex. —Annika Pham, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

landmark

noun

land·​mark ˈlan(d)-ˌmärk 

1

: an object that marks the boundary of land

2

a

: a usually large object on land that is easy to see and can help a person find the way to a place near it

b

: an important building or monument

historical landmarks

3

: an event that marks a turning point

Medical Definition

landmark

noun

land·​mark -ˌmärk 

1

: an anatomical structure used as a point of orientation in locating other structures (as in surgical procedures)

2

: a point on the body or skeleton from which anthropological measurements are taken

Legal Definition

landmark

noun

land·​mark

often attributive

1

: an object (as a stone or tree) that marks a boundary of land

2

: an event or development that marks a turning point or stage

a landmark decision

3

: a structure (as a building) of unusual historical or aesthetic interest

especially : one that is officially designated and set aside for preservation