defining moment

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of defining moment

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Defining moment: At New Seasons Market, one of my favorite grocery stores anywhere, I asked an engaging clerk about what looked like bullet-shaped blueberries, at which point he introduced me to honeysuckle fruit from Siberia.

From Washington Post • Dec. 21, 2015

Defining moment: Sampling the region’s barbecue renaissance at Killen’s Barbecue, where the sides match the peerless smoked meats — and weekend waits are eased with gratis beer.

From Washington Post • Dec. 21, 2015

Defining moment: Craggy golden fried chicken, succulent shrimp and a heaping helping of hospitality at soul food purveyor Martha Lou’s Kitchen.

From Washington Post • Dec. 21, 2015

Defining moment: He had accepted an offer from a London investment bank when his uncles stepped in.

From Time Magazine Archive

Defining moment: As a vice president at Neiman Marcus, Gold developed a business plan for the company's new clearance stores that upped revenues from $20 million to $80 million in three years.

From Time Magazine Archive