culminate

[ kuhl-muh-neyt ]

verb (used without object)

, cul·mi·nat·ed, cul·mi·nat·ing.

1. to reach the highest point, summit, or highest development (usually followed by in ).
2. to end or arrive at a final stage (usually followed by in ):

   The argument culminated in a fistfight.

3. to rise to or form an apex; terminate (usually followed by in ):

   The tower culminates in a tall spire.

4. Astronomy. (of a celestial body) to be on the meridian, or reach the highest or the lowest altitude.

verb (used with object)

, cul·mi·nat·ed, cul·mi·nat·ing.

1. to bring to a close; complete; climax:

   The president's signature on this bill culminates an eight-year campaign for legislation to help individuals and families finance their long-term disability needs.

culminate

/ ˈkʌlmɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. whenintr, usually foll by in to end or cause to end, esp to reach or bring to a final or climactic stage
2. intr (of a celestial body) to cross the meridian of the observer

Word History and Origins

Origin of culminate¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Late Latin culminātus (past participle of culmināre to come to a peak), equivalent to Latin culmin- (stem of culmen ) “peak, top” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of culminate¹

C17: from Late Latin culmināre to reach the highest point, from Latin culmen top

Example Sentences

This sets off a chain reaction of events culminating in the creation of a “polar vortex” with more extreme cold, storminess and snow.

From Salon

Skill, audacity and patience, criminal connections, a fair amount of luck, and inspiration from a Sherlock Holmes story culminated in a weekend of high drama and barely believable farce.

From BBC

Trump’s obstinacy continued for weeks, culminating with Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump urged on an angry mob that stormed the Capitol in an attempt to halt the election certification.

From Los Angeles Times

Months of searching and waiting culminated in a grim discovery in August 2010 when her skeletal remains were discovered in Malibu Canyon.

From Los Angeles Times

Unfounded allegations of election tampering prompted large turnouts at “Stop the Steal” protests across the country, which eventually culminated in Trump supporters storming the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cap
• climax
• conclude
• end up
• round off
• terminate
• wind up