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

• base
• basis
• bedrock
• bottom
• footing
• foundation
• ground
• groundwork
• keystone
• root
• underpinning
• warp
• warp and woof

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

Summary Topical steroids are a cornerstone of treatment for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. —Mary Choy, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024

Transparency would be a cornerstone, ensuring that the assessment process is clear and understandable for taxpayers. —Catherine Reagor, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024

Less government has always been a cornerstone of the Republican Party, but this takes it over the top. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 9 July 2024

The restaurant has been a cornerstone in the community for decades and is operated by the next generation of the Baquet family. —Ronny Maye, Essence, 3 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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