culminate
Americanverb (used without object)
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to reach the highest point, summit, or highest development (usually followed byin ).
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to end or arrive at a final stage (usually followed byin ).
The argument culminated in a fistfight.
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to rise to or form an apex; terminate (usually followed byin ).
The tower culminates in a tall spire.
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Astronomy. (of a celestial body) to be on the meridian, or reach the highest or the lowest altitude.
verb (used with object)
verb
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to end or cause to end, esp to reach or bring to a final or climactic stage
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(intr) (of a celestial body) to cross the meridian of the observer
Etymology
Origin of culminate
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cantrell’s software experience was limited to a college class that culminated in him making a “buggy version of Flappy Bird,” which doesn’t sound like bragging.
From Barron's
Dealers were frustrated with product decisions and high inventory, which culminated in a collapse in profits.
From Barron's
Lawrence has said he envisioned “Shrinking” as culminating in a three-season arc that begins in grief and steps into forgiveness, before exploring what it means to move forward.
From Salon
Sometimes these culminate into a special certification that can be added to your résumé.
From Barron's
Administrators said the company, which was founded in 1993, had been struggling over the past year, culminating in poorer-than-expected sales over the Christmas period.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
