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

Explanation

The verb culminate is used to describe a high point or a climactic stage in a process. For example, the goal of a Major League baseball team is to have their season culminate in a World Series victory. The word culminate derives from the Latin word culminatus, the past participle of culminare, which means "to top or crown." Use culminate when you are referring to a crowning moment or a final conclusion: “I want my experiments combining strawberry jam with burnt toast to culminate in a Nobel Prize in Chemistry — or at least a lucrative contract with a major food supplier.”

Example Sentences

Still, many controllers opt out of what they describe as an onerous examination process that could culminate in losing their careers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

All of that will culminate on Saturday night in the quirky Cortina Curling Stadium, first built as an open-air venue to host the 1956 Games.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Sometimes these culminate into a special certification that can be added to your résumé.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

That her quest will culminate in the mountains of northern Italy just two months from now will make it must-watch television and social media video.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

Thus commencing a cycle that can only culminate in further anger and distress.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Related Words

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