landmark

noun

land·​mark ˈland-ˌmärk 

1

: an object (such as a stone or tree) that marks the boundary of land

2

a

: a conspicuous object on land that marks a locality

b

: an anatomical structure used as a point of orientation in locating other structures

3

: an event or development that marks a turning point or a stage

4

: a structure (such as a building) of unusual historical and usually aesthetic interest

especially : one that is officially designated and set aside for preservation

Synonyms

• climacteric
• climax
• corner
• milepost
• milestone
• turning point
• watershed

Examples of landmark in a Sentence

The Golden Gate Bridge is a famous landmark in San Francisco.

The battlefield is a national historical landmark.

The moon landing is a landmark in space exploration.

The decision was a landmark in legal history.

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s also a showcase of its landmark innovations, from the idea of a sneaker given additional bounce thanks to garden hose segments to prototypes and first finished products. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 12 July 2024

Eustis library programs The Eustis Memorial Library, 120 N. Center St., is sponsoring a photography contest and seeking submissions of Eustis landmarks from area residents through Aug. 1. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2024

Historic studios are just as susceptible as any small businesses to the pressures of rising costs of living: last year, the famed United Recording Studio was forced to lay off half of its staff while new threats from developers to music industry landmarks seem to arrive on an almost annual basis. —Andrew Barker, Variety, 12 July 2024

Another landmark paper, published in 2017 by Elizabeth M. Oliva and colleagues, offers definitive answers. —Richard A. "red" Lawhern, STAT, 11 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

landmark

noun

land·​mark ˈlan(d)-ˌmärk 

1

: an object that marks the boundary of land

2

a

: a usually large object on land that is easy to see and can help a person find the way to a place near it

b

: an important building or monument

historical landmarks

3

: an event that marks a turning point

Medical Definition

landmark

noun

land·​mark -ˌmärk 

1

: an anatomical structure used as a point of orientation in locating other structures (as in surgical procedures)

2

: a point on the body or skeleton from which anthropological measurements are taken

Legal Definition

landmark

noun

land·​mark

often attributive

1

: an object (as a stone or tree) that marks a boundary of land

2

: an event or development that marks a turning point or stage

a landmark decision

3

: a structure (as a building) of unusual historical or aesthetic interest

especially : one that is officially designated and set aside for preservation