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

These themes culminate on the album's closer, Endsong, an 11-minute epic that stood out as a highlight of the band's Radio 2 In Concert performance on Wednesday - broadcast on BBC Radio 2, iPlayer and BBC Two this Saturday.

From BBC

The celebrations will culminate with a victory parade through downtown Friday and separate festivities at Dodger Stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

Billed by organisers as the largest Halloween event in Europe, the four-day festival will culminate in a parade and fireworks display on Thursday.

From BBC

These mundane tasks and long hours of repetitive training culminate in competitive outbursts where careers are made and broken.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2025, NBC will mark the 50th anniversary of the series with a weekend-long look back that will culminate in a three-hour prime-time special airing Feb. 16.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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