cornerstone
noun
cor·ner·stone
ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn 
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
Synonyms
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
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 
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.
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
Dictionary Entries Near cornerstone
Cite this Entry
“Cornerstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornerstone. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cornerstone
noun
cor·ner·stone
ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn
1
: a stone forming part of a corner in a wall
2
: something of basic importance
the cornerstone of our foreign policy
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share