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
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
This protein, known as GRP78, is often hijacked by cancer cells to protect them from attack and became the cornerstone of his research.
—
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Prioritizing transparency and responsiveness will build trust and foster long-term relationships, the cornerstone of any successful business.
—Adam Povlitz, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
The classic track was the cornerstone of the 1990 soundtrack Music From Twin Peaks, and the song went on to win the 1991 Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025
The cornerstone was a public-private partnership that would help the city solicit public art projects, similar to what Naperville has had for years with the Naperville Development Partnership, which promotes city business interests.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cornerstone
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Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Prioritizing transparency and responsiveness will build trust and foster long-term relationships, the cornerstone of any successful business.
—Adam Povlitz, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
The classic track was the cornerstone of the 1990 soundtrack Music From Twin Peaks, and the song went on to win the 1991 Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025
The cornerstone was a public-private partnership that would help the city solicit public art projects, similar to what Naperville has had for years with the Naperville Development Partnership, which promotes city business interests.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cornerstone
Cite this Entry
“Cornerstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornerstone. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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