Illustration of cusp
- 1 cusp d
a
: a point of transition (as from one historical period to the next) : turning point
b
: either horn of a crescent moon
c
: a fixed point on a mathematical curve at which a point tracing the curve would exactly reverse its direction of motion
d
: an ornamental pointed projection formed by or arising from the intersection of two arcs or foils (see foil entry 2 sense 4)
e(1)
: a point on the grinding surface of a tooth
(2)
: a fold or flap of a cardiac valve
Examples of cusp in a Sentence
the cusp of a tooth
medical researchers who are on the cusp of a major breakthrough
Recent Examples on the Web
That situation isn’t unheard of in Idol’s recent history, where Seacrest or the judges have inked new deals just on the cusp of a new season’s production beginning.
—
Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2025
But Oliver is right on the cusp of being the kind of artist who can move units and get away with just using his first name.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2025
But for a player who once dreamed of having a starting role, Hall sits on the cusp of earning his first NFL start in week one.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2025
Where to Stay The Hedges Inn The owners of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach have refreshed The Hedges Inn, a beloved landmark right on the cusp of East Hampton town.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cusp
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.
Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2025
But Oliver is right on the cusp of being the kind of artist who can move units and get away with just using his first name.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2025
But for a player who once dreamed of having a starting role, Hall sits on the cusp of earning his first NFL start in week one.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2025
Where to Stay The Hedges Inn The owners of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach have refreshed The Hedges Inn, a beloved landmark right on the cusp of East Hampton town.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cusp
Cite this Entry
“Cusp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cusp. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cusp
noun
: a point or pointed end or part: as
a
: either of the pointed ends of a crescent moon
b
: a point on the grinding surface of a tooth
c
: a fold or flap of a heart valve
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share