cornerstone

noun cor·ner·stone \ ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn \

Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

Definition of cornerstone

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

See cornerstone defined for English-language learners

See cornerstone defined for kids

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 of cornerstone from the Web

Industrial security is the cornerstone of a modern defense industry.

— arthur herman, WSJ, "Japan’s Industrial Security Problem," 18 Apr. 2018
Smart spending habits, responsible use of our savings, and pro-business policies that encourage the development of our natural resources to grow Alaska's economic pie are the cornerstones of our advocacy efforts.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska Chamber: Our polling shows budget, reducing spending are Alaskans’ top priorities," 22 Mar. 2018
Hard work, your attitude, respect and integrity will be the cornerstones.

— richard deitsch, SI.com, "Media Circus: 22 Well-Known Sports Media Members Give Advice to Their Younger Selves," 12 Mar. 2018
The cornerstones of Auburn's 2018 recruiting class are already in place and there shouldn't be much drama on National Signing Day, but the Tigers may still have a position to address after Wednesday.

— james crepea, AL.com, "Tom Luginbill evaluates what's most important to Auburn's 2018 recruiting class," 5 Feb. 2018
The cornerstone of the rules enacted last year would have been that lenders must determine, before giving a loan, whether a borrower can afford to repay it in full with interest within 30 days.

— ken sweet, USA TODAY, "Consumer watchdog considering repeal of payday lending rule," 16 Jan. 2018
In Alabama, the local sales tax is a cornerstone of support for basic services.

— john sharp, AL.com, "Alabama looks to collect more online sales tax as Trump trashes Amazon," 5 Apr. 2018
Trump has been inconsistent on what had for decades been a cornerstone of U.S. policy: support for side-by-side Israeli and Palestinian states.

— laura king, latimes.com, "Saudi crown prince says Israelis, Palestinians both have 'right to have their own land'," 2 Apr. 2018
The high-end dining spot is making aged sushi the cornerstone of its menu, charging $300 (tip included) for a multicourse spread (or omakase) that includes several varieties of fish.

— charles passy, WSJ, "Old Fish Makes the Best Sushi, Some Top Chefs Say," 29 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cornerstone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of cornerstone

13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

cornerstone Synonyms

Synonyms

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

assumption, justification, premise (also premiss), presumption, presupposition, rationale, supposition, theory, thesis, warrant;

backbone, center, core, cornerstone, eye, focus, heart, hub, kernel, keystone, nucleus, seat;

essence, quintessence, soul, touchstone;

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

CORNERSTONE Defined for English Language Learners

cornerstone

noun

Definition of cornerstone for English Language Learners

: a stone that forms part of a corner in the outside wall of a building and that often shows the date when the building was built
: something of basic importance