cornerstone

[ kawr-ner-stohn ]

noun

1. a stone uniting two masonry walls at an intersection.
2. a stone representing the nominal starting place in the construction of a monumental building, usually carved with the date and laid with appropriate ceremonies.
3. something that is essential, indispensable, or basic:

   The cornerstone of democratic government is a free press.

4. the chief foundation on which something is constructed or developed:

   The cornerstone of his argument was that all people are created equal.

cornerstone

/ ˈkɔːnəˌstəʊn /

noun

1. a stone at the corner of a wall, uniting two intersecting walls; quoin
2. a stone placed at the corner of a building during a ceremony to mark the start of construction
3. a person or thing of prime importance; basis

   the cornerstone of the whole argument

Word History and Origins

Origin of cornerstone¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; corner, stone

Example Sentences

Freeman grounded out as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning Sunday but he hasn’t been on the field much and the Dodger offense has crumbled without his cornerstone.

From Los Angeles Times

For the first time, the WNBA’s newest franchise, the Golden State Valkyries, set its sights on adding a cornerstone piece with the fifth pick ahead of its inaugural season.

From Los Angeles Times

Redick, who also appeared at Thursday’s event, said the rebuilt recreation center will be “the cornerstone of this community.”

From Los Angeles Times

LA28 had earmarked the beach near the iconic Santa Monica Pier as one of its cornerstone venues for the Games since its first bid nearly a decade ago.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the cornerstones in LA28’s Olympic venue plan has fallen through.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• essential
• foundation
• keystone
• linchpin
• mainstay
• pillar