Landmarks: meaning, definitions and examples

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landmarks

[ˈlændˌmɑːrk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

historical

Landmarks are historically significant structures or places that are recognized and appreciated for their cultural, historical, or architectural importance.

Synonyms

monuments, points of interest, sights.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
landmarks	Suitable for describing significant or well-known locations that are recognizable and have historical, cultural, or geographical importance. Often used in travel guides and histories. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. She used the cathedral as a landmark to navigate the city.
monuments	Appropriate when referring to specific structures or statues built to honor individuals, events, or historical periods. Generally has a more formal tone. The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. is a famous monument. They visited the war monument to pay their respects.
sights	Commonly used in informal contexts to describe interesting or impressive places or things to see in an area, often used interchangeably with 'attractions' in tourism. They spent the weekend touring the sights of Rome. We made sure to see all the major sights while on vacation.
points of interest	A broad term used in travel and tourism to describe any location or feature that might be interesting or worth seeing. It can include landmarks, monuments, natural features, and more. The travel guide lists several points of interest in the city, including museums and parks. The app helps you locate nearby points of interest.

Examples of usage

Visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must for anyone interested in Parisian landmarks.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

navigation

Landmarks are prominent features in the landscape that can be used as reference points for navigation.

Synonyms

reference points, signposts, waypoints.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
landmarks	Used to describe prominent features in the landscape that are easily recognizable and often serve as navigational aids or historical sites. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. We used the old church as a landmark to find our way back.
reference points	Typically used in a broader context not only for navigation but also for comparing, measuring, or making decisions. Can be both physical locations and abstract benchmarks. He used the mountain peak as a reference point to determine his location. Their financial performance serves as a reference point for other companies in the industry.
waypoints	Commonly used in navigation, especially in technology and exploration contexts like GPS systems, aviation, or sailing, to denote specific coordinates that guide a route. The pilot programmed several waypoints into the navigation system before takeoff. We marked the waypoints on our GPS to ensure we didn't get lost.
signposts	Specifically used for actual signs that provide directions or information, often found along roads or trails. Follow the signposts to get to the hiking trail. The main road is well-marked with signposts to guide you.

Examples of usage

The lighthouse served as a useful landmark for sailors approaching the harbor.
The mountain peak was a visible landmark for hikers on the trail.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'landmark' originates from the old practice of marking boundaries of land with noticeable features.
Landmarks have existed since ancient civilizations, often serving as navigation aids for travelers.
Early maps included landmarks to help mark routes between areas of significance.

Cultural Significance

Different cultures celebrate their landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower in France or the Great Wall in China, symbolizing national identity.
Many landmarks are tied to historical events, like the Alamo in Texas or the Berlin Wall, playing key roles in shaping a nation's story.
Landmarks can also be important in literature and film, often embodying themes of discovery or adventure.

Tourism

Landmarks attract millions of tourists every year, boosting the economy and promoting local culture.
Iconic structures like the Statue of Liberty are often visited by travelers looking to experience their grandeur first-hand.
Tour guides often use landmarks to tell stories about the surrounding area, creating connections to history and local culture.

Geography

Landmarks can be natural, like a mountain or a river, and are essential for understanding the geography of an area.
Many cities have distinct landmarks that can help define their skyline, like skyscrapers in New York or the pyramids in Cairo.
Geographic landmarks also help in navigation, providing reference points for maps and GPS systems.

Technology

Modern technology often integrates landmarks in applications, helping users find nearby attractions through GPS.
Augmented reality apps allow users to explore landmarks from their devices, adding interactive elements to traditional tourism.
Digital maps frequently highlight famous landmarks, enhancing the travel experience by showcasing significant locations.

Translations

Translations of the word "landmarks" in other languages:

🇵🇹 marcos históricos

🇮🇳 स्थलचिह्न

🇩🇪 Wahrzeichen

🇮🇩 tengara

🇺🇦 пам'ятки

🇵🇱 punkty orientacyjne

🇯🇵 ランドマーク

🇫🇷 monuments

🇪🇸 monumentos

🇹🇷 simgesel yapılar

🇰🇷 랜드마크

🇸🇦 معالم

🇨🇿 památky

🇸🇰 pamiatky

🇨🇳 地标

🇸🇮 mejniki

🇮🇸 kennileiti

🇰🇿 маңызды нысандар

🇬🇪 მნიშვნელოვანი ობიექტები

🇦🇿 mühüm obyektlər

🇲🇽 monumentos

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,548, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13545 coroner
13546 sham
13547 trimming
13548 landmarks
13549 erupted
13550 canine
13551 tangential
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