Landmark
/ˈlændmɑːrk/
Definitions
3 meaningsA recognizable natural or artificial feature used for navigation.
/ˈlændmɑːrk/
A prominent or easily recognizable object or feature of a landscape or town, used for navigation or identification.
The Statue of Liberty is a well-known landmark in New York City.
💡 Simply: A landmark is something super easy to spot, like a big building or a mountain, that helps you know where you are or helps you find your way. Imagine you're meeting a friend; the big clock tower could be your landmark!
👶 For kids: A landmark is something cool and easy to see, like a big tree or a tall building, that helps you know where you are.
More Examples
We used the church spire as a landmark to guide us through the town.
The mountain peak served as a landmark for the hikers.
How It's Used
"The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris."
"The old church served as a landmark for early settlers."
"We used the landmark to find the hotel."
An important event or achievement.
/ˈlændmɑːrk/
An event, discovery, or change marking an important stage or turning point in something.
The signing of the treaty was a landmark moment in international relations.
💡 Simply: A landmark can also be a super important event or discovery that changes things. Like, the first time someone flew in an airplane was a landmark moment in history!
👶 For kids: A landmark can also be a really important thing that happens, like when someone makes a big discovery or does something amazing.
More Examples
The discovery of penicillin was a landmark in medical history.
Her novel was considered a landmark in feminist literature.
How It's Used
"The Supreme Court's decision was a landmark case in civil rights."
"The invention of the printing press was a landmark event."
"The company's IPO was a landmark achievement."
Important or influential; historically significant.
/ˈlændmɑːrk/
Historically important and influential.
The new legislation was a landmark achievement.
💡 Simply: When something is 'landmark,' it means it's super important and has changed things forever. Like a really famous book that everyone reads is a landmark of writing.
👶 For kids: If something is "landmark", it's really, really important and changes the way people do things.
More Examples
The discovery of DNA was a landmark scientific achievement.
Her work became a landmark of post-modern architecture.
How It's Used
"This landmark treaty reshaped the political landscape."
"Her novel became a landmark work of literature."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a landmark decision
An important legal or judicial ruling that sets a precedent.
"The Supreme Court's ruling was a landmark decision on the issue of free speech."
a landmark achievement
A significant accomplishment or milestone.
"The company celebrated a landmark achievement when it reached $1 billion in revenue."
a landmark event
A significant occurrence that marks a turning point.
"The invention of the printing press was a landmark event in history."
From Middle English lande-merke, lande-mearc (land mark), denoting a boundary marker. The term evolved to describe any prominent object or structure that is easily seen and used for navigation or identification.
The term 'landmark' has been used since the 15th century to refer to a boundary marker. Its meaning broadened over time to include notable objects or features.
Memory tip
Think of a visible 'mark' on the 'land' that helps you find your way.
Word Origin
"Boundary mark, visible feature of the landscape"