cornerstone

American  

[kawr-ner-stohn] / ˈkɔr nərˌstoʊn /

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.

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cornerstone British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of cornerstone

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; corner, stone

Example Sentences

“To the extent possible” became the cornerstone of the city’s explanation of why it had used the number of beds occupied as a catch-all for the city’s interactions with people.

From Los Angeles Times

“Gaming remains the cornerstone of our ecosystem. With this change we are shifting our investment to focus on our third-party developers and partners to ensure long-term sustainability,” the memo said.

From Los Angeles Times

"The independence of central banks is a cornerstone of price, financial and economic stability in the interest of the citizens that we serve," it added.

From Barron's

"The independence of central banks is a cornerstone of price, financial and economic stability in the interest of the citizens that we serve," the statement said.

From Barron's

“The independence of central banks is a cornerstone of price, financial and economic stability in the interest of the citizens that we serve,” they added.

From Barron's

Related Words

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