: point, apex: such as
a
: a point of transition (as from one historical period to the next) : turning point
also : edge, verge
on the cusp of stardom
… you're on the cusp between heat exhaustion and life-threatening heatstroke. Mark Jannot
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
cuspate adjective
cusped adjective

Illustration of cusp

Illustration of cusp
  • 1 cusp d

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Or, to put it another way, Arne Slot has had better ideas during his 30-year career as a professional footballer and now a manager, which has brought him to the cusp of this season’s Premier League title with Liverpool. Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025 During Todd Golden’s rise to the cusp of the Final Four, Florida guard Will Richard has been by his coach’s side, serving as the foundation and glue for a once-rebuilding program. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025 Turns out, all those early hard knocks paid dividends for the younger Bech brother, propelling him to the cusp of an NFL career. Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025 Right on the cusp of Aspen Mountain is the luxurious and sprawling St. Regis resort which, in the summer, has the best pool in town. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cusp

Word History

Etymology

Latin cuspis point

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cusp was in 1585

Cite this Entry

“Cusp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cusp. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Kids 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

Medical Definition

cusp

noun
1
: a point on the grinding surface of a tooth
2
: a fold or flap of a cardiac valve
cuspal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cusp

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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