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

Yet despite these challenges, jeans remain a cornerstone of consumers’ wardrobes, a creative canvas for emerging designers and an incubator for innovation. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

The market is one cornerstone of a larger scene that has built an outsized reputation for dining on the foundation of the Stitts' vision and mentorship. — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Number 10 is one of ITV Studios‘ cornerstone shows coming to MIPCOM and Moffat will be in Cannes alongside long-time producing partner Sue Vertue. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026

Pittsburgh never trailed after Warren turned a flip from Rodgers into the ninth touchdown pass of 80 yards or more of the quarterback's career, tying former Steelers cornerstone Ben Roethlisberger for the most in NFL history. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

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