landmark

The word “landmark” means a building, monument, or natural feature that is easily recognized and often used for navigation or as a symbol of a place. In plain terms, a well-known place people use to find their way, or a hugely important event or moment.

“Landmark” is pronounced LAND-mahk (/ˈlændmɑɹk/ in IPA).

Here is “landmark” used in a sentence: “The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the world.”

“Landmark” is a noun.

The word “landmark” comes from Old English. From Old English landmearc, "boundary marker," from land + mark.

“Landmark” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Landmark” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a building, monument, or natural feature that is easily recognized and often used for navigation or as a symbol of a place.

A monument is a structure built specifically to commemorate a person or event, while a landmark is any easily recognized feature—built or natural—used for navigation or as a symbol of a place. Most monuments serve as landmarks, but many landmarks, such as a mountain or a river, are not monuments.

Both can mark something significant, but a landmark is an event or achievement seen as a major turning point, while a milestone marks one stage of progress along a longer journey. A landmark ruling reshapes the legal landscape, whereas a milestone is a single measured step toward a goal.

A case is called a 'landmark' because it is an achievement considered highly significant that marks a turning point, setting a major precedent for future decisions. The word extends its navigational sense—a fixed reference point—to a ruling that later cases are measured against.

Yes. Landmark is often used before a noun—as in 'landmark study,' 'landmark ruling,' or 'landmark agreement'—to describe something highly significant that marks a major turning point.