pinnacle

[ pin-uh-kuhl ]

noun

1. a lofty peak.
2. the highest or culminating point, as of success, power, fame, etc.:

   the pinnacle of one's career.

   Synonyms: zenith, summit, peak, acme, apex

   Antonyms: nadir

3. any pointed, towering part or formation, as of rock.

   Synonyms: needle

4. Architecture. a relatively small, upright structure, commonly terminating in a gable, a pyramid, or a cone, rising above the roof or coping of a building, or capping a tower, buttress, or other projecting architectural member.

verb (used with object)

, pin·na·cled, pin·na·cling.

1. to place on or as on a pinnacle.
2. to form a pinnacle on; crown.

pinnacle

/ ˈpɪnəkəl /

noun

1. the highest point or level, esp of fame, success, etc
2. a towering peak, as of a mountain
3. a slender upright structure in the form of a cone, pyramid, or spire on the top of a buttress, gable, or tower

verb

1. to set on or as if on a pinnacle
2. to furnish with a pinnacle or pinnacles
3. to crown with a pinnacle

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinnacle¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English pinacle, from Middle French, from Late Latin pinnāculum “gable,” equivalent to Latin pinn(a) “raised part of a parapet,” literally, “wing, feather ” ( pinna ) + -āculum; tabernacle

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinnacle¹

C14: via Old French from Late Latin pinnāculum a peak, from Latin pinna wing

Example Sentences

I recall speaking to Cameron Munster and Jake Trbojevic at the World Cup and both said it was the "pinnacle" to wear the green and gold, fulfilling childhood dreams of representing their country.

From BBC

“Box of Rain,” a tribute to Lesh’s late father that marked the bassist’s first lead vocal on a Grateful Dead record, was the pinnacle of this period, but he also had co-writing credits on “Truckin’,” “Cumberland Blues,” “St. Stephen” and “New Potato Caboose,” all crucial parts of the Dead’s songbook.

From Los Angeles Times

"There's certain things about our bands, which remind people of a pinnacle moment in their life."

From BBC

“You’re sitting on top of the mountain, you’ve reached the pinnacle of success, and then to have a World Series MVP tacked onto it?”

From Los Angeles Times

The cost-cutting measures left many - including long-standing core sports which see the Commonwealth Games as the pinnacle - facing an anxious wait.

From BBC

Related Words

• apex
• culmination
• greatest
• height
• peak