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 of landmark

• milestone
• climax
• 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

Swift does manage one very impressive feat this time around, as one of her most beloved – and perhaps most controversial – studio efforts reaches a landmark figure she's only seen once before. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

During my two-day adventure in the city, Mashingaidze took our group around, pointing out various landmarks and offering cultural context and historical insights—all of which gave us a more well-rounded understanding of Victoria Falls as a tourism hub. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026

The 111-year-old local landmark faces the possibility of losing 20 hours of weekly operation after appearing to survive a previous plan for full closure as part of the city of San Diego’s ongoing process to try to balance its budget. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026

Racing through the heart of American history, with those amazing landmarks lining the course, is going to be incredibly powerful. —Mike Stunson, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for landmark

• ballpark
• benchmark
• birthmark
• daymark
• earmark
• embark
• hallmark
• monarch
• postmark
• remark
• skylark
• tetrarch

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