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

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

Etymology

Origin of distinguishing

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

Example Sentences

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

Pangram boasts that its tool is far better than other AI detectors at distinguishing human from AI text.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

While civilian sites can lose their protection if they are used for military purposes, in such cases attacks must adhere to principles of international humanitarian law including distinguishing between combatants and civilians.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Only service dogs wearing distinguishing markers are allowed at the park.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

A form was near—what form, the pitch-dark night and my enfeebled vision prevented me from distinguishing.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë