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
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 cornerstone was this robotic dog, Spot, introduced almost a decade ago.
—
Marc Lieberman, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Long used for its hydrating, toning, and reparative qualities, this botanical ingredient has become a cornerstone of modern Korean skincare, and is especially beloved by those with sensitive or reactive skin.
—Alice Abbiadati, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026
At the time, disability law experts worried that if successful, the lawsuit could topple one of the legal cornerstones of disability rights in the United States.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 2 Jan. 2026
Surf is a cornerstone of Long Beach’s surf community.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cornerstone
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Marc Lieberman, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Long used for its hydrating, toning, and reparative qualities, this botanical ingredient has become a cornerstone of modern Korean skincare, and is especially beloved by those with sensitive or reactive skin.
—Alice Abbiadati, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026
At the time, disability law experts worried that if successful, the lawsuit could topple one of the legal cornerstones of disability rights in the United States.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 2 Jan. 2026
Surf is a cornerstone of Long Beach’s surf community.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cornerstone
Cite this Entry
“Cornerstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornerstone. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
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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