# culminate

/ˈkəɫmɪˌneɪt/ (US) · /kˈʌlmɪnˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/culminate
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

to reach the highest point or the final result of a long process. You use this when something has been building up and finally finishes with a big event.

For teachers: to reach a final or highest point; to result in a specific conclusion after a period of development. Often used in the passive voice to describe the end of a series of events.

## Examples

- The festival will culminate in a large fireworks display.
- After months of intense research and preparation, the team's efforts will culminate in the final presentation to the board.
- The author's career, which began in obscure literary journals, eventually culminated in a prestigious national award and a permanent place in the university's curriculum.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.