Definition

1. Noun:
   • A prominent or easily recognized object in a landscape: A physical feature, either natural or artificial, that is easily seen and can be used to identify a location or to help in navigation.
   • An event, discovery, or change marking a turning point or a new stage: A significant point in history, development, or a process.
   • A boundary marker: An object that designates the limit or border of an area of land.
   • A fixed point used as a standard in measurement: In fields like anatomy or surveying, a structure or point from which measurements are taken.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Prominent Object):
  • The old lighthouse is a famous landmark for sailors.
  • We used the tall mountain as a landmark to find our way back to camp.
• Noun (Significant Event):
  • The invention of the internet was a landmark in human communication.
  • The court's decision is considered a landmark for civil rights.
• Noun (Boundary Marker):
  • The stone pillar served as a landmark between the two properties.
• Noun (Point for Measurement):
  • In anatomy, the bony prominence is used as a surgical landmark.

Advanced Usage

• "Landmark decision/ruling/case": A judicial decision that establishes an important new legal principle or significantly changes the interpretation of existing law.
  • The Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on free speech.
• "Landmark study": A pioneering or definitive piece of research in a particular field.
  • Her landmark study changed our understanding of the disease.
• "Landmark legislation": A law that represents a major shift in policy or has widespread impact.
  • The act was landmark legislation for environmental protection.

Variants and Related Words

• Landmarking (gerund/noun): The act of designating something as a landmark, especially for historical preservation.
  • The landmarking of the building saved it from demolition.
• Landmarked (adjective): Officially designated as a historical or architectural landmark.
  • The landmarked theater cannot be altered without permission.

Synonyms

• Milestone: A significant event or stage in development.
• Turning point: A time at which a decisive change occurs.
• Monument: A structure erected to commemorate a person or event; can also be a prominent feature.
• Marker: An object used to indicate a position, place, or route.
• Watershed: An event or period marking a turning point.

Related Phrases

• To be a landmark: To serve as or be considered a landmark.
  • The bridge has been a landmark for over a century.
• To reach a landmark: To achieve a significant point or goal.
  • The company reached a landmark when it sold its millionth unit.

Related Idioms

• A landmark in the landscape: Something that is very conspicuous and defines its surroundings (can be used literally or figuratively).
  • The new skyscraper is a landmark in the city's landscape.
  • Her theory is a landmark in the landscape of modern physics.

Noun

1. an anatomical structure used as a point of origin in locating other anatomical structures (as in surgery) or as point from which measurements can be taken
2. a mark showing the boundary of a piece of land
3. an event marking a unique or important historical change of course or one on which important developments depend
   • the agreement was a watershed in the history of both nations
4. the position of a prominent or well-known object in a particular landscape
   • the church steeple provided a convenient landmark