apex

¹ American  

[ey-peks] / ˈeɪ pɛks /

noun

plural

apexes, apices

1. the tip, point, or vertex; summit.

2. climax; peak; acme.

   His election to the presidency was the apex of his career.

3. Astronomy. solar apex.

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APEX ² American  

[ey-peks] / ˈeɪ pɛks /

noun

1. a type of international airfare offering reduced rates for extended stays that are booked in advance.

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apex ¹ British  

/ ˈeɪpɛks /

noun

1. the highest point; vertex

2. the pointed end or tip of something

3. a pinnacle or high point, as of a career, etc

4. Also called: solar apex.  astronomy the point on the celestial sphere, lying in the constellation Hercules, towards which the sun appears to move at a velocity of 20 kilometres per second relative to the nearest stars

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APEX ² British  

/ ˈeɪpɛks /

acronym

1. Advance Purchase Excursion: a reduced airline or long-distance rail fare that must be paid a specified number of days in advance

2. (in Britain) Association of Professional, Executive, Clerical, and Computer Staff

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Etymology

Origin of apex¹

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1595–1605

Origin of APEX²

First recorded in 1970–75; A(dvance) P(urchase) Ex(cursion)

Example Sentences

Rather than trying to buy stocks at the apex of fear based off VIX signals, consider integrating gas prices into your decision-making.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Her mother, Erika Killian, is a Gen Xer who grew up when mall culture was at its apex.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

"Our research provides insight into how two apex predators compete, which informs recovery efforts."

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

By invoking constitutional mechanisms and activating the temporary governing arrangement, authorities aim to signal that the system remains intact despite the loss of its apex figure.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Then, at the apex, the grass was thick again because no one sat there.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

Related Words

• apogee
• culmination
• pinnacle