distinguishing

American  

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

adjective

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

   Intricate rhyming is a distinguishing feature of her poetry.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• undistinguishingly
  adverb
• distinguishingly
  adverb
• undistinguishing
  adjective
• nondistinguishing
  adjective
• self-distinguishing
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of distinguishing

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

Example Sentences

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

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

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

Its legal framework already accommodates this approach by distinguishing between several types of property, including small homes, large apartment buildings, and commercial property.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 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

Unlike big-men, chiefs could be recognized from afar by visible distinguishing features, such as a large fan worn over the back on Rennell Island in the Southwest Pacific.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond