landmark
B1Formal & Informal
Definition
Meaning
A prominent and easily identifiable object or feature of the landscape that serves as a point of reference for navigation.
An event, decision, discovery, or building that marks a significant stage in development or is historically important.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word blends concrete/physical ('a building') with abstract/metaphorical ('a turning point'). In law (especially US), it can refer to a building of historical importance protected by statute.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical. The legal sense of 'protected historical building' is more prevalent in American English ('landmark preservation').
Connotations
Slightly stronger association with historic preservation in AmE. In BrE, 'landmark' can be used more generally for any prominent local feature.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
landmark + in + history/developmentlandmark + for + navigation/peoplelandmark + case/decision/rulingserve as a landmarkVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A landmark in the making”
- “To pass a landmark”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a major deal, merger, or financial result that sets a new standard (e.g., 'a landmark agreement').
Academic
Used for pivotal studies, theories, or discoveries that change a field (e.g., 'a landmark paper in physics').
Everyday
Used for prominent buildings or features used for giving directions, or for important personal events (e.g., 'The church spire is a useful landmark.').
Technical
In surveying/geography: a fixed natural or artificial object used in mapping. In law: a case establishing a major precedent.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new policy will likely landmark a shift in public opinion.
- (Rare, but possible) The tower landmarks the skyline for miles around.
American English
- The Supreme Court decision landmarked a new era in civil rights.
- (Rare) The ancient tree landmarks the entrance to the valley.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'landmark' is not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not standard; 'landmark' is not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- It was a landmark ruling by the Law Lords.
- The developer applied for landmark status for the old cinema.
American English
- The court issued a landmark decision on privacy.
- They bought a landmark building in downtown Chicago.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The big castle is a famous landmark in our city.
- Use the red bridge as a landmark to find our house.
- The Eiffel Tower is the most recognisable landmark in Paris.
- The new law was a landmark for environmental protection.
- The scientist's discovery proved to be a landmark in the fight against the disease.
- The agreement is being hailed as a landmark in international diplomacy.
- The court's landmark judgment established a new precedent for data protection rights.
- Gentrification often threatens the very character of a district's historic landmarks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LAND + MARK. It's a MARK on the LANDscape that you can see and remember.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANT EVENTS ARE PHYSICAL LANDMARKS (e.g., 'a landmark decision' - we visualize it as a tall, unmovable object on our timeline).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'веха' for physical objects; 'веха' is only for abstract milestones. For a physical landmark, use 'ориентир' or 'достопримечательность'. 'Landmark case' is not 'земельное дело' but 'прецедентное дело'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'landmark' for any old building (requires prominence/significance). Confusing 'landmark' (point of reference) with 'landscape' (general scenery).
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, what does 'landmark' most specifically imply?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While often used for buildings (the Empire State Building), it can refer to natural features (Uluru), events (a landmark treaty), or legal decisions.
Both indicate important stages. 'Landmark' implies a conspicuous, singular point of change visible from a distance (metaphorically). 'Milestone' is one of many markers along a road, suggesting incremental progress.
It is possible but very rare and considered non-standard by many. It's safer to use phrases like 'mark a landmark' or 'become a landmark'.
Yes. All famous landmarks are tourist attractions, but not all tourist attractions (e.g., a popular restaurant) are landmarks. A landmark must be a defining, often historical, feature of a place.