foundation stone

noun

1

: a stone in the foundation of a building

especially : such a stone laid with public ceremony compare cornerstone

2

: basis, groundwork

Examples of foundation stone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With books as their foundation stone, all of these businesses could spread their influence into almost every element of information culture. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

As one of the principal gateways into the Saudi capital and a foundation stone of the entire Vision 2030 project, the Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s airport directly threaten the Kingdom’s strategy. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026

More than detecting the quantum jump in real time, the research sets up the foundation stone for many quantum developments in the near future. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026

In 1990, the construction of Washington National Cathedral concluded, 83 years to the day after its foundation stone was laid in a ceremony attended by President Theodore Roosevelt. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for foundation stone

• aldosterone
• anticyclone
• hydrocodone
• progesterone
• testosterone
• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone