milestone

noun

mile·​stone ˈmī(-ə)l-ˌstōn How to pronounce milestone (audio)
Synonyms of milestone
1
: a stone serving as a milepost (see milepost sense 1)
2
: a significant point in development
Graduating from college was an important milestone in her life.

Illustration of milestone

Illustration of milestone
  • milestone 1

Examples of milestone in a Sentence

the new drug was regarded as a milestone in the treatment of heart disease
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your athletic endeavors are now about maintenance, not milestones. Zach Przystup, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026 The five releases are hitting the streets a year before the Jazz Showcase’s 80th anniversary — a remarkable milestone for a jazz-only venue. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 The couple has included their children in several of the pregnancy milestones, including a visit to the doctor for Whitney's 20-week ultrasound. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 Chris Brown, Usher tour in the works The fatherhood milestone comes as Brown is set to embark on a coheadlining tour with fellow R&B icon Usher this summer. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for milestone

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of milestone was in 1662

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Milestone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/milestone. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

milestone

noun
mile·​stone ˈmī(ə)l-ˌstōn How to pronounce milestone (audio)
1
: a milepost made of stone
2
: an important point in progress or development

More from Merriam-Webster on milestone

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster