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

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

Hedging still makes sense, as does defining risk without forgoing potential rewards.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

Over the next two defining games, survival may hinge on who holds their nerve.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

By contrast, Perry’s relationship with her fiery mother was defining.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

And although it has been one of the defining clubs of the Premier League era, it hasn’t won the championship since 2004.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

But if the secret Mexico trip was the defining test of my loyalty, I really earned my stripes when my sister and her best friend turned me into a legitimate stalker.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi