culmination
Americannoun
-
the act or fact of culminating.
-
that in which anything culminates; the culminating position or stage; highest point; acme.
-
Astronomy. the position of a celestial body when it is on the meridian.
noun
-
the final, highest, or decisive point
-
the act of culminating
-
astronomy the highest or lowest altitude attained by a heavenly body as it crosses the meridian
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of culmination
1625–35; < Medieval Latin culminātiōn-, stem of culminātiō; see culminate, -ion
Explanation
The culmination is the end point or final stage of something you've been working toward or something that's been building up. The culmination of your high school career, for example, should be graduation day — and probably not prom night. A culmination isn't just the conclusion. It's the climax of the story, the final crowning achievement, the end result of years of research. “Life is a culmination of the past, an awareness of the present, an indication of a future beyond knowledge, the quality that gives a touch of divinity to matter,” said Charles Lindbergh, the first solo pilot to fly nonstop across the Atlantic — a feat that was surely the culmination of his aviation career.
Vocabulary lists containing culmination
This Week in Words: October 22 - 27, 2017
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"When Do Kids Become Adults?" Vocabulary from the argument
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Obama, on the 50th anniversary of 'Bloody Sunday'
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
It was the culmination of a well-executed scam — so successful that the San Gabriel Valley pair behind the scheme decided to try it again, authorities said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026
But investigations precede recalls, which are the culmination of investigations.
From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026
Maduro and his wife were captured in January during a nighttime operation that was the culmination of months of secretive planning.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
Some wept upon hearing that the law was passed, with one worker saying it was the culmination of a "22-year struggle to gain protection".
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
She was the shimmering culmination of all her ancestors’ strife, joyfulness, and struggle.
From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older
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.
