Showing results for "defining"

• present participle of define.

defining

American  

[dih-fahy-ning] / dɪˈfaɪ nɪŋ /

adjective

1. decisive; critically important.

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

---

Other Word Forms

• nondefining
  adjective
• self-defining
  adjective

---

Explanation

Something defining is essential to what something is. A defining moment in your life helps makes you what you are. In the dictionary, definitions tell you what words mean, and the similar word defining has to do with what things are too. The defining characteristic of a chair is that you sit on it. The defining feature of food is you can eat it. People have defining features too: if you went to a summer camp and had an amazing time, it could be a defining time in your life. Defining things helps shape and mold us.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

defining

Cash remains a defining feature of investor purchases, yet the investor and overall market all-cash share fell in the first half of 2026 as climbing inventory and softer market conditions eased all-cash buying.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026

The Fantasy Bra has been a key feature of the show over the years and wearing it is typically seen as an honour and defining moment for the chosen model.

From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026

High-stakes conflicts over artificial intelligence, data privacy, workplace culture, antitrust laws and other issues are dominating the news and defining our modern era.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

I also think Elon Musk, having seen the ascent of Steve Jobs, was sort of defining himself in that way too – or going back to Thomas Edison, who had his own P.T.

From Salon ● Oct. 16, 2026

I told her that I was taught never to use the word you are defining in its definition and that she ought to think of a substitute word for letter if she is defining it.

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---