defining
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- nondefining adjective
- self-defining adjective
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.
This is a defining moment for the Islamic Republic of Iran.
From BBC
If his defining characteristic weren’t competence, Piggy could easily insert him into a cover of “Manchild” instead of duetting with Carpenter in a performance of “Islands in the Stream.”
From Salon
If the cleanup condensates break down, harmful proteins can build up, which is a defining feature of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
From Science Daily
“Voters feel hammered by cost-of-living realities, so affordability will be a defining issue for them.”
From Los Angeles Times
In the near term, volatility is likely to remain a defining characteristic of digital asset markets.
From Barron's
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.