culminating

[ kuhl-muh-ney-ting ]

adjective

1. being or nearing the highest point or final stage:

   The mountain, which rises to 1,125 meters, is the culminating point of the Luberon mountain range.

   All students are required to participate in a capstone course that serves as the culminating experience of the degree.

Other Words From

• non·cul·mi·nat·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of culminating¹

First recorded in 1660–70; culminat(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def )

Example Sentences

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

The decision follows weeks of parent anger and questions, culminating in a heated town hall meeting Thursday night at Walter Reed Middle School, during which parents of students enrolled in the prestigious programs contended district officials changed the admissions policies behind closed doors and without a compelling reason.

From Los Angeles Times

Think about how, four years ago, Trump plummeted to an all-time low after he tried to overturn an election he lost, culminating in an attack on the place where elected officials were certifying the election.

From Slate

Here, Lawson and Preston discuss key costumes from the first four episodes of the second season, culminating with Elsbeth’s high-glam gown opposite Williams.

From Los Angeles Times

His effort to overturn the 2020 election, culminating in an assault on the U.S.

From Slate