distinguishing

American

[dih-sting-gwi-shing] / dɪˈstɪŋ gwɪ ʃɪŋ /

adjective

distinctive; characteristic, as a definitive feature of an individual or group.

Intricate rhyming is a distinguishing feature of her poetry.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of distinguishing

First recorded in 1660–70; distinguish + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rather than viewing all senescent cells as dangerous, researchers increasingly believe the future of anti-aging medicine may depend on distinguishing harmful cells from beneficial ones.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

X-Energy has early commercial agreements with Amazon and Dow, distinguishing it from competitors.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

You’re kind of distinguishing her from what we now think of as YA, “Young Adult.”

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

The only distinguishing features were a few hurried strips of grilled chicken and a light dusting of Tony Chachere’s — not stirred into the sauce, mind you, but sprinkled on top, like an afterthought.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

An intense stubbornness seemed to be his distinguishing feature.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023