noun
Common
landmark
LAND-mahk
Landmark (noun) means a building, monument, or natural feature that is easily recognized and often used for navigation or as a symbol of a place. Example: “The lighthouse is a well-known landmark that sailors have used for generations.”
noun
1
A building, monument, or natural feature that is easily recognized and often used for navigation or as a symbol of a place.
"The lighthouse is a well-known landmark that sailors have used for generations."
"The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the world."
"Turn left at the old clock tower — it's a useful landmark."
2
An event or achievement considered highly significant, especially one that marks a turning point.
"Finishing school was a landmark in her life, and she celebrated with her family."
"The discovery of the vaccine was a landmark in the history of medicine."
"The court's ruling was a landmark decision for civil rights."
How to use landmark
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA well-known place people use to find their way, or a hugely important event or moment.
Common pairings
historic landmark
landmark decision
landmark ruling
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Word forms
- Plural
- landmarks
- Third person singular
- landmarks
- Past tense
- landmarked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The lighthouse is a well-known _____ that sailors have used for generations.
Etymology
From Old English landmearc, "boundary marker," from land + mark.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “landmark” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “landmark”?
“Landmark” is pronounced LAND-mahk (/ˈlændmɑɹk/ in IPA).
How do you use “landmark” in a sentence?
Here is “landmark” used in a sentence: “The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the world.”
What part of speech is “landmark”?
“Landmark” is a noun.
Where does the word “landmark” come from?
The word “landmark” comes from Old English. From Old English landmearc, "boundary marker," from land + mark.
Is “landmark” a common word?
“Landmark” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “landmark” have?
“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.
What is the difference between a landmark and a monument?
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.
What is the difference between a landmark and a milestone?
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.
Why are important court cases called 'landmark' cases?
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.
Can 'landmark' be used as an adjective?
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.
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