defining

American  

[dih-fahy-ning] / dɪˈfaɪ nɪŋ /

adjective

1. decisive; critically important.

   Taking a course in architecture was a defining turn in her life.

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Other Word Forms

• nondefining adjective
• self-defining adjective

Example Sentences

Nonetheless, the U.A.E., like the rest of the Gulf region, had long tried to avoid defining itself as a combatant.

From The Wall Street Journal

The splitter and its devastating sinking action had been the defining pitch of the 1980s.

From The Wall Street Journal

Apple had a history defining first 50 years.

From Barron's

Others were single, defining moments from their life.

From Literature

The broader opportunity may lie in what Beijing is now defining as family infrastructure.

From Barron's