cornerstone

noun

cor·​ner·​stone ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn How to pronounce cornerstone (audio)
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

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
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.
Fostering Collaboration Collaboration is a cornerstone of effective problem-solving. Michael Shribman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 The principle that an attack against one member country is an attack against the whole alliance is the cornerstone of the group’s defense pact. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 19 Nov. 2024 The peaceful transfer of power is the cornerstone of our democracy. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Expanding the border wall Expanding and reinforcing the border wall is another cornerstone of Trump’s immigration agenda, a promise that resonates deeply with his base. Brian Bennett, TIME, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cornerstone 

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cornerstone was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near cornerstone

Cite this Entry

“Cornerstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornerstone. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cornerstone

noun
cor·​ner·​stone ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn How to pronounce cornerstone (audio)
1
: a stone forming part of a corner in a wall
2
: something of basic importance
the cornerstone of our foreign policy

More from Merriam-Webster on cornerstone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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