monument

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a place or building that is important because of its history and is protected by the government.

n. a site, building, or archaeological remain preserved for its historical, cultural, or scientific importance.

“Ancient stone circles are protected as national monuments in many countries.”

“The government designated the ruins of the medieval castle as a protected monument to prevent further urban encroachment.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary

n. something that is a very good or lasting example of a particular quality or achievement.

n. an enduring and significant example of a particular quality, achievement, or human endeavor. Often used with 'to'.

“The scientist's research is a monument to her hard work and dedication.”

“The cathedral remains a monument to the architectural ingenuity of the twelfth century, surviving centuries of conflict and weather.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Formal

n. a stone or structure placed over a grave to show who is buried there.

n. a stone, pillar, or structure marking a place of interment.

“They placed a simple marble monument over the grave of the famous poet.”

“The cemetery is filled with elaborate Victorian monuments that reflect the social status of the families buried beneath them.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technology Technical

n. a permanent object used by experts to mark a specific point on the land.

n. a permanent marker set by a land surveyor to establish property boundaries or geodetic control points.

“The surveyor looked for the iron monument that marked the corner of the property.”

“The boundary dispute was finally settled when the original brass monument was located beneath several inches of topsoil.”

C2 · Proficiency Formal

v. to build a monument for someone or something.

v. to commemorate or mark a location or person with a monument.

“The committee decided to monument the site where the treaty was signed.”

“The project aims to monument the forgotten heroes of the revolution by placing plaques at key historical locations throughout the city.”