Illustration of cusp
- 1 cusp d
a
: a point of transition (as from one historical period to the next) : turning point
b
: either horn of a crescent moon
c
: a fixed point on a mathematical curve at which a point tracing the curve would exactly reverse its direction of motion
d
: an ornamental pointed projection formed by or arising from the intersection of two arcs or foils (see foil entry 2 sense 4)
e(1)
: a point on the grinding surface of a tooth
(2)
: a fold or flap of a cardiac valve
Examples of cusp in a Sentence
the cusp of a tooth
medical researchers who are on the cusp of a major breakthrough
Recent Examples on the Web
Crypto is right on the cusp of going mainstream, but is still shot through with fraud and criminal-adjacent actors.
—
Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 5 June 2025
The law passed on the cusp of the Internet era as the job market was pushing toward shorter-term employment, especially in the tech world.
—Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 3 June 2025
Wheeler’s narrative became a moving story for Britons living on the cusp of the Second World War, and the story only gained power from there.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 27 May 2025
Unfortunately for me, the cusp of my adulthood was marred by yet another international calamity: the 2008 financial crisis.
—Lauren Stienstra, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cusp
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Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 5 June 2025
The law passed on the cusp of the Internet era as the job market was pushing toward shorter-term employment, especially in the tech world.
—Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 3 June 2025
Wheeler’s narrative became a moving story for Britons living on the cusp of the Second World War, and the story only gained power from there.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 27 May 2025
Unfortunately for me, the cusp of my adulthood was marred by yet another international calamity: the 2008 financial crisis.
—Lauren Stienstra, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cusp
Cite this Entry
“Cusp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cusp. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cusp
noun
: a point or pointed end or part: as
a
: either of the pointed ends of a crescent moon
b
: a point on the grinding surface of a tooth
c
: a fold or flap of a heart valve
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