define
verb (used with object)
to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.).
were defining
-
past progressiveof define.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
"An overly dry spring and a heatwave in the second half of June were defining factors" leading to what the group described as a "below-average grain harvest" forecast at 41.9 million tonnes.
From Barron's ● Aug. 18, 2026
Mr Jeffries encouraged people to pay attention to trends, as they were "defining factors" of a project and would help designs to stay remembered.
From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2025
“Everyone faces a crossroad in their life — Colin’s teenage years were defining and his inspirational story reminds readers of all ages not to conform to others’ expectations.”
From New York Times ● May 18, 2022
He was aware that the presidential campaign of Sen. Robert Kennedy, and the Kennedy tragedies, were defining experiences for his parents’ generation.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 23, 2019
Continents, seas, islands, mountains, rivers, countries, were defining themselves out of a misty jumble of meaningless names.
From The Rise of David Levinsky by Abraham Cahan
