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

The House Jan. 6 committee developed a detailed public record of the plot that culminated in the insurrection.

From Los Angeles Times

The findings, published today in Nature Genetics, suggest that these rare genetic anomalies may represent some of the earliest steps in a series of events that could culminate in breast cancer development.

From Science Daily

In the band's YouTube video, which has since been deleted, they made claims of workplace harassment, among others, which culminated in Hanni saying she would testify in a hearing about bullying in the music industry.

From BBC

This sets off a chain reaction of events culminating in the creation of a “polar vortex” with more extreme cold, storminess and snow.

From Salon

Skill, audacity and patience, criminal connections, a fair amount of luck, and inspiration from a Sherlock Holmes story culminated in a weekend of high drama and barely believable farce.

From BBC

Related Words

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