millstone

noun

mill·​stone ˈmil-ˌstōn How to pronounce millstone (audio)
Synonyms of millstonenext
1
: either of two circular stones used for grinding something (such as grain)
2
a
: something that grinds or crushes
b
: a heavy burden

Examples of millstone in a Sentence

College loans can quickly become a millstone for students. The scandal has become a political millstone. The scandal has been a millstone around her neck.
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.
Of course, that became a millstone around my neck. — Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025 Yates' words about tying a millstone around your neck and throwing yourself into the sea hang in the salty air as Linda dives into the crashing waves. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026 What had once been the engine of Microsoft’s AI strategy was starting to feel like a millstone. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 May 2026 Any film that urges people to see their foibles and worries as dynamic parts of themselves rather than unmoveable millstones is probably putting a healthy enough message into the world. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for millstone

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of millstone was before the 12th century

Rhymes for millstone

See All Rhymes for millstone

Browse Nearby Words

mill spindle
millstone
millstone bridge
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Millstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/millstone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

millstone

noun
mill·​stone -ˌstōn How to pronounce millstone (audio)
1
: either of two circular stones used for grinding a substance (as grain)
2
: a heavy burden
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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