turning point
Americannoun
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a point at which a decisive change takes place; critical point; crisis.
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a point at which something changes direction, especially a high or low point on a graph.
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Surveying. a point temporarily located and marked in order to establish the elevation or position of a surveying instrument at a new station.
noun
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a moment when the course of events is changed
the turning point of his career
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a point at which there is a change in direction or motion
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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
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
A career turning point for me was “Mad Men,” in 2007.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 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
I thought my failure at the 2011 Nationals was an ending, but it was really a beginning—a turning point on a journey I still can’t believe I’m taking.
From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
