steppingstone

American  

[step-ing-stohn] / ˈstɛp ɪŋˌstoʊn /

noun

1. a stone, or one of a line of stones, in shallow water, a marshy place, or the like, that is stepped on in crossing.

2. a stone for use in mounting or ascending.

3. any means or stage of advancement or improvement.

   She looked on the governorship as a steppingstone to the presidency.

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Etymology

Origin of steppingstone

Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325

Example Sentences

By insisting that governments hardwire interoperability into the architecture of financial systems, corporate leaders can shape regional integration into a steppingstone toward renewed global connectivity, rather than allowing it to calcify into a permanent dead end.

From Barron's

By insisting that governments hardwire interoperability into the architecture of financial systems, corporate leaders can shape regional integration into a steppingstone toward renewed global connectivity, rather than allowing it to calcify into a permanent dead end.

From Barron's

But if everything goes according to plan, the WBC will only be a steppingstone to something even bigger.

From The Wall Street Journal

Officials at DHS said they believe Lewandowski and Noem see DHS as a steppingstone to an even bigger perch.

From The Wall Street Journal

Officials at DHS said they believe the pair see DHS as a steppingstone to an even bigger perch.

From The Wall Street Journal