steppingstone

[ step-ing-stohn ]

noun

1. a stone, or one of a line of stones, in shallow water, a marshy place, or the like, that is stepped on in crossing.
2. a stone for use in mounting or ascending.
3. any means or stage of advancement or improvement:

   She looked on the governorship as a steppingstone to the presidency.

Word History and Origins

Origin of steppingstone¹

Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325

Example Sentences

He spoke of all the good he would do after he used this military steppingstone to get into medical school.

From Ozy

He’s not in it for the ego or for recognition or any kind of steppingstone or some personal development goal.

From Washington Post

Yet, scientists say, those failures are often crucial steppingstones toward a better understanding of the disease and eventual treatments.

From Ozy

Besides being a steppingstone to diabetes, prediabetes raises a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke.

From Washington Post

The there-and-back-again mission was a crucial steppingstone for the company on its path to sending a manned craft into the ether.

From The Daily Beast

The ships going out of port were such a steppingstone to him, and a vague consciousness came back to him of having been in a ship.

From Project Gutenberg