milestone

noun

mile·​stone ˈmī(-ə)l-ˌstōn 

1

: a stone serving as a milepost (see milepost sense 1)

2

: a significant point in development

Graduating from college was an important milestone in her life.

Illustration of milestone

• milestone 1

Synonyms

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

Examples of milestone in a Sentence

the new drug was regarded as a milestone in the treatment of heart disease

Recent Examples on the Web

With Anil Kapoor-starrer action flick Subedar set for a 2025 release, the company has eyes on bigger milestones. —Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024

Brant and Kim Daugherty are celebrating one more family milestone! —Charna Flam, People.com, 25 Dec. 2024

The last major milestone for the U.S. was the country’s 200th birthday in 1976, which was overseen by former President Gerald Ford. —Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Dec. 2024

The songstress celebrated the milestone while on stage during a performance where her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, both 13. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

milestone

noun

mile·​stone ˈmī(ə)l-ˌstōn 

1

: a milepost made of stone

2

: an important point in progress or development