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
The regulation is a cornerstone of the air district’s ambitious rulemaking calendar this year that hopes to bring the nation’s smoggiest region closer to complying with federal air-quality standards by 2037.
—
Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024
Its construction was a cornerstone of the nearly century-old Hindu-nationalist movement that had swept Mr. Modi to power.
—Pragati K.b. Atul Loke, New York Times, 4 June 2024
Joining the team in their inaugural season in the American Football League (AFL) in 1960, Otto was a cornerstone for the next 15 years, playing in every game despite enduring numerous injuries and surgeries.
—Roland Oputa, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024
This metaphor succinctly encapsulates his unwavering dedication to music, with music serving as the cornerstone of his endeavors over his 35-year career.
—Billboard China, Billboard, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for cornerstone 
Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024
Its construction was a cornerstone of the nearly century-old Hindu-nationalist movement that had swept Mr. Modi to power.
—Pragati K.b. Atul Loke, New York Times, 4 June 2024
Joining the team in their inaugural season in the American Football League (AFL) in 1960, Otto was a cornerstone for the next 15 years, playing in every game despite enduring numerous injuries and surgeries.
—Roland Oputa, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024
This metaphor succinctly encapsulates his unwavering dedication to music, with music serving as the cornerstone of his endeavors over his 35-year career.
—Billboard China, Billboard, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for cornerstone
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cornerstone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cornerstone
Cite this Entry
“Cornerstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornerstone. Accessed 11 Jun. 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
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