milestone

[ mahyl-stohn ]

noun

1. a stone functioning as a milepost.
2. a significant event or stage in the life, progress, development, or the like of a person, nation, etc.:

   Her getting the job of supervisor was a milestone in her career.

milestone

/ ˈmaɪlˌstəʊn /

noun

1. a stone pillar that shows the distance in miles to or from a place
2. a significant event in life, history, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of milestone¹

First recorded in 1740–50; mile + stone

Example Sentences

Alo’s sister company, Bella+Canvas, a wholesaler of basic apparel, also reached a milestone, selling directly to consumers through its website.

From New York Times

But the bucket would push her past the 1,000-point threshold, a milestone that no one at USC, nor in the Big Ten Conference, has ever reached as quickly as her.

From Los Angeles Times

It marks a milestone for Netflix’s efforts to expand its live programming as it tries to boost its growing advertising business.

From Los Angeles Times

He called the arrest a milestone in one of the agency's "most significant investigations into organised immigration crime".

From BBC

A so-called story trust meets weekly to discuss ideas, and themes revolve around milestones and lessons that families experience on a regular basis.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anniversary
• breakthrough
• discovery
• event
• landmark
• occasion
• turning point