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.
While Cox’s commanding presence was a cornerstone of the series, Pascal’s situation is uniquely different. Clayton Davis, Variety, 28 May 2025 This partnership has already facilitated talent exchanges and crossover events, with the WWE x AAA Worlds Collide show being a cornerstone of this new era, aiming to showcase the best of both promotions. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 In short order, Trump pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a cornerstone of Tokyo’s strategy to contain China (Abe had lobbied him to stay in TPP). William Pesek, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 The Trump administration is seeking to end an immigration policy cornerstone that since the 1990s has offered protections to child migrants in federal custody, a move that will be challenged by advocates, according to a court filing Thursday. Valerie Gonzalez, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Cornerstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornerstone. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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

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