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
But his remarks at his own feting were defining: In 17 seasons of owning the Nats, Lerner was the franchise’s unquestioned North Star — from which everything important emanated but almost nothing was heard.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 13, 2023
And they came back with the concept of three timelines, at 10, 15 and 18, which were defining years of my life.
From New York Times ● Feb. 15, 2021
Unfortunately, though our national Congress contained many noble, intelligent, and talented men, none of them knew any thing about the country they were defining as Oregon Territory.
From A History of Oregon, 1792-1849 Drawn From Personal Observation and Authentic Information by William Henry Gray
