turning point

American  

noun

1. a point at which a decisive change takes place; critical point; crisis.

2. a point at which something changes direction, especially a high or low point on a graph.

3. Surveying. a point temporarily located and marked in order to establish the elevation or position of a surveying instrument at a new station.

---

turning point British  

noun

1. a moment when the course of events is changed

   the turning point of his career

2. a point at which there is a change in direction or motion

3. maths a stationary point at which the first derivative of a function changes sign, so that typically its graph does not cross a horizontal tangent

4. surveying a point to which a foresight and a backsight are taken in levelling; change point

---

Etymology

Origin of turning point

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The regulations are a turning point in a decades-long fight between tribal casinos and the cardroom industry.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, 32 years on, another turning point beckons.

From BBC

He said it was a turning point in his life.

From Los Angeles Times

Having to be substituted because of the pain was a turning point for the Everton forward, and the start of her journey towards an endometriosis diagnosis.

From BBC

The agreement was seen as a turning point for the tech industry and Hollywood, coming after major studios had issued legal challenges to AI firms over the use of their IP.

From BBC

Related Words

• climax
• critical point
• crux
• culmination
• juncture
• twist