milestone

noun

mile·​stone ˈmī(-ə)l-ˌstōn How to pronounce milestone (audio)
Synonyms of milestonenext
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.
Toney, who entered the game with 89 catches for 992 yards, hit the 1,000-yard mark on a 4-yard catch on Miami’s third drive of the game late in the first quarter — four plays after Fletcher’s run that got him to his milestone. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Jan. 2026 However, Cooper was in Israel for work at the time and missed the major milestone. Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 1 Jan. 2026 But movement toward 2025 milestones is uneven, with the weakest results in goals that depend on suppliers, logistics partners, consumers or government policy. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 31 Dec. 2025 Scientists operating the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator in Germany reached a major fusion milestone in 2025 by producing high-energy helium-3 ions for the first time. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 31 Dec. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Milestone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/milestone. Accessed 4 Jan. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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