defining

[dih-fahy-ning]

adjective

1. decisive; critically important.

   Taking a course in architecture was a defining turn in her life.

Other Word Forms

• nondefining adjective
• self-defining adjective

Example Sentences

Sources have cited composure, movement, intelligence and a willingness to link play as the defining aspects of his game.

From BBC

It is early to make such a defining judgement, but it is even harder to look beyond Liverpool as champions as the window closes than it was before.

From BBC

This is a recognition that this autumn's Budget will not just be a defining moment of the next few months but of this entire government, however long it lasts.

From BBC

While this may be an easier endeavour than defining the terms of a peace deal, it will by no means be straightforward.

From BBC

The vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Andrew Gilber, said the definition was also "supported by the overwhelming majority of British Jews as it is clear and measured in defining antisemitism".

From BBC