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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of turning point

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The ex–MTV reality cast member will not be mayor, but his candidacy will mark a turning point in Los Angeles and California politics.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

“This is a turning point for the South Korean market,” Kang said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

Björk’s ‘Hunter’ music video was a turning point for me.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Speaking later in a news conference, Littler, who won £410,000 in prize money, hoped his release of emotions would be a "turning point" in his relationship with the crowd.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II's Showboat of 1927 was a turning point in this respect, demonstrating what a well-written, clearly structured musical with a thought-provoking plot could be.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Related Words

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