DictionarymeridianHighest point
noun

meridian

The highest point or stage reached.

The poet described the leader at the meridian of his power.

Etymology

The source refers to midday, when the sun reaches its highest daily position. That image supplied a figurative meridian: the highest point of development, success, or power.

More examples

  • Her career had reached its meridian.
  • The essay places the empire’s meridian in the previous century.
  • The old biography celebrates him in the meridian of life.

Forms

meridian · meridians

Similar words

zenith
Zenith commonly means peak success; meridian is a more literary image for fullest development.
apogee
Apogee similarly means a highest point; meridian can imply a peak before decline.