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

Meanwhile, there have been many articles and books commemorating the milestone; one of the latter made headlines Friday for a publicity gaffe involving Tina Fey and Jon Hamm. —Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Feb. 2025

The milestones piled up even before the album was finished. —Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2025

Looking to the Future Thanks to a combination of cancer treatments and a bone marrow transplant from her brother, Stokes, now 39, is on the brink of a remarkable milestone. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025

From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. —Griselda Flores, Billboard, 15 Feb. 2025

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