defining moment

American

noun

a point at which the essential nature or character of a person, group, etc., is revealed or identified.

Etymology

Origin of defining moment

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"This atrocity was a defining moment for America and your pain and shock were felt around the whole world," said the King.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

This atrocity was a defining moment for America and your pain and shock were felt around the whole world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

The company said at the time that “as we enter a defining moment shaped by AI, there is no one better than Aneel to lead this next chapter.”

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Father James Martin: This was a defining moment for me.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

All were composed of large, healthy, and highly competitive young men, each of whom was about to face a defining moment in his life.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023