milestone

noun

mile·​stone ˈmī(-ə)l-ˌstōn How to pronounce milestone (audio)
Synonyms of milestone
1
: a stone serving as a milepost (see milepost sense 1)
2
: a significant point in development
Graduating from college was an important milestone in her life.

Illustration of milestone

Illustration of milestone
  • milestone 1

Synonyms of milestone

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Examples of milestone in a Sentence

the new drug was regarded as a milestone in the treatment of heart disease
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.
But interest in the nascent field is rising as companies notch up milestones, such as enabling people with degenerative conditions including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to type or play video games using brain signals. — Elaine Yu, CNBC, 11 July 2026 The other record that is a major milestone for Telemundo is the amount of advertising and sponsorship that the World Cup audience windfall has delivered for Telemundo, Peacock and Telemundo’s sibling cable channel Universo. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 July 2026 The goal for Marta was her 50th for Orlando, the first player in club history to reach that milestone. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026 The announcement of the expansion marks an important milestone for the site and the company’s growth in composite materials. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for milestone

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of milestone was in 1662

Rhymes for milestone

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Browse Nearby Words

Milesian tale
milestone
mile-ton
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Cite this Entry

“Milestone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/milestone. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

milestone

noun
mile·​stone ˈmī(ə)l-ˌstōn How to pronounce milestone (audio)
1
: a milepost made of stone
2
: an important point in progress or development

More from Merriam-Webster on milestone

Nglish: Translation of milestone for Spanish Speakers

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