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
Oh, 6-0 Georgia Tech’s right on the cusp of the bracket (after beating 2-5 Virginia Tech 35-20)?
—
Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
The church is now a regular part of American religious life, perhaps best exemplified by Romney’s rise to the cusp of the presidency over a decade ago.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Man Ray is one of the few Dada-Surrealist cusp figures who finessed affiliations with both movements without alienating either one.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025
In 2023, Nvidia was at the cusp of being valued as a trillion-dollar company.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cusp
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Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
The church is now a regular part of American religious life, perhaps best exemplified by Romney’s rise to the cusp of the presidency over a decade ago.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Man Ray is one of the few Dada-Surrealist cusp figures who finessed affiliations with both movements without alienating either one.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025
In 2023, Nvidia was at the cusp of being valued as a trillion-dollar company.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 19 Sep. 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 19 Oct. 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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