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

Synonyms of milestone

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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.
The film surpassed $500 million in North America in its first seven days, becoming the fastest title to reach that half-billion milestone by supplanting Endgame, which hit the threshold in eight days. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026 More than a decade later, that once-unthinkable milestone has been surpassed again and again, with the most exclusive properties commanding prices that would have seemed almost fictional a generation ago. — Mark David, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026 The milestone is yet another sign of the escalating water crisis on the Colorado River, which scientists say is worsened by climate change. — Sarah Kaplan, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026 In the late 2010s, Ganni’s popularity reached a fever pitch, with key milestones including appointing Andrea Baldo as CEO to spearhead its international expansion in 2018. — Kelsey Stewart, InStyle, 7 Aug. 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

Rhymes for milestone

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Browse Nearby Words

Milesian tale
milestone
mile-ton
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Cite this Entry

“Milestone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/milestone. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of milestone for Spanish Speakers

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