defining moment

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of defining moment¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

I was much stronger to face this defining moment in my life.

From Washington Blade

We are a few dozen immigrants from various shelters for whom the next few hours will be a defining moment to survive this process.

From Washington Blade

“This confirmation is a defining moment for Indigenous peoples not only in the United States but around the world,” said the council’s chairman, Wilfred Herrera, former governor of Laguna Pueblo.

From Washington Blade

While working on Intel’s 386 processor, he drew the attention of hard-driving Intel CEO Andy Grove, a “career defining moment,” Gelsinger said later.

From Fortune

It may not be pleasant, but it is a defining moment for them as well.

From Washington Post

No, childbirth is not a contest, but it is “a defining moment” in the lives of many women.

From The Daily Beast

I knew there were powerful things happening…it was definitely a defining moment.

From The Daily Beast

He told me that the watching the Snake-Eyes story was a defining moment in his childhood.

From The Daily Beast

A defining moment for the country was also a defining one for Tina Brown.

From The Daily Beast

We have to respond, this is a defining moment in the relationship.

From The Daily Beast