capstone

[ kap-stohn ]

noun

1. a finishing stone of a structure.
2. the crowning achievement, point, element, or event.

capstone

/ ˈkəʊpˌstəʊn; ˈkæpˌstəʊn /

noun

1. one of a set of slabs on the top of a wall, building, etc
2. mountaineering a chockstone occurring at the top of a gully or chimney
3. a crowning achievement; peak

   the capstone of his career

Word History and Origins

Origin of capstone¹

1350–1400; Middle English. See cap ¹, stone

Example Sentences

It was “a kind of capstone to the misbehavior that Ellsberg was disclosing.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Muzzle,” based on extended interviews with her in 2021 and 2022, is both a fine introduction to her sensibility and capstone for her career, punctuated with her trademark candor.

From Los Angeles Times

“We had come after this long pedigree of family shows, and, in a way, we were kind of the capstone of that style.”

From Los Angeles Times

The first night served as a valedictory for 81-year-old Joe Biden; CNN hailed Barack Obama’s Tuesday speech as a capstone of the 20-year period in Democratic politics, marked best by the man himself and his smooth, noncombative style, since his coming-out party at the 2004 DNC.

From Slate

In contrast, Donald Trump's capstone speech at the Republican National Convention was disastrous.

From Salon

Related Words

• height
• pinnacle
• summit
• top