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.

Distinguishing between them “would allow for better safeguards against games involving players making tens of thousands per season and players making millions,” said Matthew Holt, the CEO of Gaming Compliance International.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

"Distinguishing these new crops from their less productive and closely related wild plants could present tremendous challenges for weed control," the researchers write.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2024

"Distinguishing between normal aging and potential early signs of cognitive decline is crucial."

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2024

Distinguishing between the two groups of women is a challenge that has long vexed physicians.

From New York Times • Jul. 3, 2023

Distinguishing the voice of God and the voices of those around us is no easy task.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz

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