milestone

noun

mile·​stone ˈmī(-ə)l-ˌstōn 

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

• milestone 1

Synonyms of milestone

• climax
• landmark
• watershed
• corner

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

Knueppel became the fastest player in NBA history to reach 100 career 3-pointers made, attaining the milestone in his 29th appearance. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 23 Dec. 2025

The six-episode series concludes by listing out a few of the milestones she’s reached since the Eras Tour ended on December 8, 2024, including buying back her first six albums and getting engaged to Travis Kelce. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2025

The paint color on the walls serves as the backdrop not just for decor and furnishings, but also for daily life and important milestones. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2025

The carrier said this week that basic economy fares will no longer count for reaching those frequent flyer milestones. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for milestone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

milestone

noun

mile·​stone ˈmī(ə)l-ˌstōn 

1

: a milepost made of stone

2

: an important point in progress or development