culminate

American  

[kuhl-muh-neyt] / ˈkʌl məˌneɪt /

verb (used without object)

culminated, culminating

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.

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verb (used with object)

culminated, culminating

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 British  

/ ˈkʌlmɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. 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

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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

A fatal collision at LaGuardia Airport last week marked the start of a difficult period for Air Canada, culminating on Monday with its CEO announcing he will soon retire.

From BBC

It culminates above the ancient tombs and temples of Luxor, Egypt, where trips are selling swiftly.

From The Wall Street Journal

The ceremony then culminated with Mullally being seated in two different thrones.

From Barron's

The series of events that culminated in a U.S. company’s purchase of China-originated technology has angered Beijing regulators.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another effort at GOP outreach to Hispanic voters culminated in President George W. Bush taking approximately 40% of the Latino vote in 2004.

From Salon

Related Words

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