noun
cusp
kuhsp
Cusp (noun) means a critical point where something is about to change or begin. Example: “The company was on the cusp of a major breakthrough.”
noun
1
A critical point where something is about to change or begin.
"The company was on the cusp of a major breakthrough."
"She stood on the cusp of adulthood, about to graduate."
2
A sharp or pointed tip, including the pointed part of a tooth.
"The dentist examined the cusp of the molar."
How to use cusp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe edge or turning point right before something happens or changes.
Common pairings
on the cusp of
cusp of change
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Word forms
- Plural
- cusps
- Third person singular
- cusps
- Past tense
- cusped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company was on the _____ of a major breakthrough.
Etymology
From Latin cuspis, "a point, a spear tip" — first borrowed into English through astrology, to describe the boundary between star signs.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cusp
See all rhymes for cusp →Frequently asked questions
What does “cusp” mean?
The word “cusp” means a critical point where something is about to change or begin. In plain terms, the edge or turning point right before something happens or changes.
How do you pronounce “cusp”?
“Cusp” is pronounced kuhsp (/kʌsp/ in IPA).
How do you use “cusp” in a sentence?
Here is “cusp” used in a sentence: “The company was on the cusp of a major breakthrough.”
What part of speech is “cusp”?
“Cusp” is a noun.
Where does the word “cusp” come from?
The word “cusp” comes from Latin. From Latin cuspis, "a point, a spear tip" — first borrowed into English through astrology, to describe the boundary between star signs.
How many meanings does “cusp” have?
“Cusp” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a critical point where something is about to change or begin.
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