milestone

noun

mile·​stone ˈmī(-ə)l-ˌstōn How to pronounce milestone (audio)
Synonyms of milestonenext
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

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.
The developer, Dominion Energy, announced the milestone. ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026 Last week Devil-Dog Dungarees launched its first ever women’s jeans, marking a major milestone in the brand’s history. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 23 Mar. 2026 Where last year’s residency was anchored to a singular milestone, this new run unfolds as a panoramic retrospective. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 Mar. 2026 That’s really a milestone for us. Eric Prisbell, Dallas Morning News, 23 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Milestone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/milestone. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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

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