fulcrum
Americannoun
-
the support, or point of rest, on which a lever turns in moving a body.
-
any prop or support.
-
Zoology. any of various structures in an animal serving as a hinge or support.
verb (used with object)
noun
-
the pivot about which a lever turns
-
something that supports or sustains; prop
-
a spinelike scale occurring in rows along the anterior edge of the fins in primitive bony fishes such as the sturgeon
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of fulcrum
1665–75; < Latin: back-support of a couch, apparently for fulctrum, equivalent to fulc ( īre ) to hold up, support + -trum noun suffix of instrument
Explanation
A fulcrum is the supporting point of a lever. The first fulcrum you encountered was probably on the playground — right underneath the see-saw. Back in the 17th century, a fulcrum referred to any general prop or support. Today it’s taken on more scientific connotations, thanks to physics class. However, people still use fulcrum to describe something that plays an essential role or serves as the center of an activity or situation, such as "the fulcrum of the debate." That dad who organizes everybody’s playdates? He's the fulcrum of the playground social circle.
Vocabulary lists containing fulcrum
"Rogue Wave," Vocabulary from the short story
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Force and Motion (Mechanics) - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Force and Motion (Mechanics) - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Without any products on the market, Fulcrum Therapeutics had been striving to commercialize its experimental drug for sickle cell disease, but those plans appear to now be on hold.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
Another was Fulcrum Capital, an investment firm that specializes in special situations and distressed-debt investing.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026
Fulcrum Café is a gorgeous spot to stop for a cup.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 21, 2023
Fulcrum, thank you for coming on “Hard Fork.”
From New York Times • Nov. 4, 2022
They flew south, over Fulcrum City, to the suburbs beyond.
From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
