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.
In Edinburgh, tens of thousands of revellers from across the world will be attending the city's famous Hogmanay street party which culminates in the traditional firework display above Edinburgh Castle at midnight.
From BBC
It culminates in an end-of-term assembly for parents where they talk about their friendships and show photos of what they have been doing together.
From BBC
Tens of thousands of revellers from across the world will be attending Edinburgh's famous street party which culminates in the traditional firework display above Edinburgh Castle at midnight.
From BBC
The special will include a traditional countdown at midnight, culminating with the renowned Nashville Music Note Drop.
From Los Angeles Times
KCK, long an exporter of great athletes like the Olympic gold medalist Maurice Green, became a sports importer, a brilliant strategy culminating this month in that commitment from the Chiefs.
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.
