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
His faith in himself, in God, in his game, has brought him back to the cusp of the NBA.
—
Jared Weiss, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Set up within Packers territory, Young led the Panthers to the cusp of the end zone, with the drive capped by a second touchdown by Dowdle.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025
So here’s an album just on the cusp of the new decade into the early Seventies.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
On Tuesday, Sammon and Britton projected a three- or four-year deal for Alonso valued right around the cusp of the nine-figure mark, which the five-time All-Star might well view as a disappointment the second time around.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
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Jared Weiss, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Set up within Packers territory, Young led the Panthers to the cusp of the end zone, with the drive capped by a second touchdown by Dowdle.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025
So here’s an album just on the cusp of the new decade into the early Seventies.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
On Tuesday, Sammon and Britton projected a three- or four-year deal for Alonso valued right around the cusp of the nine-figure mark, which the five-time All-Star might well view as a disappointment the second time around.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 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 13 Nov. 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
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