Search Dictionary
Definition of milestone

milestone

/ˈmaɪl.stoʊn/
mile · stone
Plural:milestones
JUMP TO:

milestone Lexical Profile

milestone Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A significant event or crucial stage in the development, progress, or history of a person, project, or society.

Example

"Graduating from university and securing her first job were major milestones in her adult life."

2

A stone or post set up beside a road to mark the distance in miles to a particular place.

Example

"We passed an old, moss-covered milestone indicating we were only ten miles away from London."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for milestone
Antonyms
View all antonyms for milestone

• Rhymes for milestone

• Nearby Words

mileometer
milepost
miler
milestone
milf
milieu
militancy

Word Origin & Etymology

Originated in the mid-18th century as a literal compound of 'mile' and 'stone', originally referring to physical stone markers placed alongside roads at intervals of one mile to indicate distances to various destinations. The figurative sense of a 'significant event' emerged in the mid-19th century.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Milestone. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/milestone
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.