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

The Dodgers have shown they have the money, and the smarts, and everything else required to sign the cornerstones who can keep the championship foundation strong.

From Los Angeles Times

Far worse will be the long-lasting erosion of the integrity of the department, whose fidelity to the principle of justice without fear or favor is a cornerstone of American democracy.

From Los Angeles Times

“It doesn’t make sense to have this huge cornerstone of our housing policy solution be at risk.”

From Los Angeles Times

She launched a $1-billion plan to expand computing across the university, for instance, with a new School of Advanced Computing as its cornerstone.

From Los Angeles Times

On the trail, Harris made reproductive rights a cornerstone of her pitch.

From BBC

Related Words

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