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

“Today marks the next phase of the Arm compute platform and a defining moment for our company.”

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

But in the defining moment of High Point’s season, and Johnston’s career, he had no control over where he was shooting from.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

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

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

The strike “would be a defining moment in the history of the coalfields,” Giardina said, “and Jackson made it clear where he stood.”

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

Each of them knew that a defining moment in his life was nearly at hand; none wanted to waste it.

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