Synonyms

defining moment

American

noun

a point at which the essential nature or character of a person, group, etc., is revealed or identified.

Etymology

Origin of defining moment

First recorded in 1980–85

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.

Kaja Kallas, who leads the European Commission’s foreign and security policy, described the killing of Khamenei as “a defining moment in Iran’s history.”

From The Wall Street Journal

This is a defining moment for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

From BBC

Father James Martin: This was a defining moment for me.

From Slate

The strike “would be a defining moment in the history of the coalfields,” Giardina said, “and Jackson made it clear where he stood.”

From Salon

Colin Skellett, CEO of YTL UK Group, has said the naming of the facility "marks a defining moment" in the journey to create one of "Europe's most exciting live entertainment venues".

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023