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.
The Flint Hills Family Festival has become a cornerstone summer event, providing millions of kids and families of all backgrounds a chance to come together to experience the arts for free. Dan Stoltz, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025 The examination of the influences has turned into a cultural cornerstone. Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025 Not discussed as a cornerstone of a defense that features Verse and Kobie Turner. Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 The dish, a traditional cornerstone of Mexican cuisine that dates back over a thousand years, is a corn wrapping, called masa, filled with meats, vegetables and cheese, rolled then steamed or boiled in a corn husk. Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cornerstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornerstone. Accessed 26 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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