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

Spielberg, whose "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" remains one of cinema's defining alien stories, told the crowd he had believed since childhood that humanity was not alone in the universe.

From Barron's

The company said at the time that “as we enter a defining moment shaped by AI, there is no one better than Aneel to lead this next chapter.”

From Barron's

According to a letter sent to nominees obtained by Variety, show producers explained that only two songs were chosen because of their “defining role in their global cultural impact and audience connection this year.”

From Los Angeles Times

"The geopolitical backdrop remains fluid, and traders should expect volatility to remain a defining feature of the trading environment in the days ahead."

From Barron's

The accumulation of tau protein in the brain is a defining feature of Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily