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 of cornerstone

• basis
• foundation
• bedrock

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

Moreover, the panel's move on hepatitis B — in the face of overwhelming data that shows the birth dose is effective and safe — portends further upheaval for the nation's childhood vaccine schedule, a cornerstone of public health. —Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025

Disneyland Holiday Traditions Annual holiday traditions are a cornerstone of Disneyland. —Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025

Fixed pricing is a huge cornerstone in Carvana's business. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025

Family programming is a cornerstone of a Four Seasons stay. —Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cornerstone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cortisone
• dictaphone
• dithizone

Kids 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