fulcrum

noun

ful·​crum ˈfu̇l-krəm  ˈfəl- 

plural fulcrums or fulcra ˈfu̇l-krə 

ˈfəl-

1

a

: prop

specifically : the support about which a lever turns

the camera moves on a fixed fulcrum, either horizontally (panning) or vertically (tilting)

—Gerald Mast

b

: one that supplies capability for action

he is … the reader's eyes and ears and the fulcrum of his judgment

—Bernard De Voto

2

: a part of an animal that serves as a hinge or support

Did you know?

Fulcrum, which means "bedpost" in Latin, comes from the verb fulcire, which means "to prop." When the word fulcrum was first used in the 17th century, it referred to the point on which a lever or similar device (such as the oar of a boat) is supported. The literal use easily supported figurative use, and it didn't take long for the word to develop a meaning referring to one deemed essential to the function or development of something. Despite fulcrum's multiple senses, the word's meanings have kept a steady theme. In zoology, fulcrum refers to a part of an animal that serves as a hinge or support, such as the joint supporting a bird's wing.

Examples of fulcrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With Bam Adebayo the fulcrum, the Heat has held three consecutive opponents below 100 points and is now 11-0 this season when doing that. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2025

After all, the film’s emotional fulcrum lies in Gromit sacrificing his beloved marrow to save his flighty master’s life. 4. —Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2025

Perhaps Golden State can lure Ogwumike with this pitch: With the Valkyries, the nine-time All-Star will be the fulcrum on both ends of the floor. —Ben Pickman, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025

In Interstellar, the thematic fulcrum on which the whole movie turns is a series of scenes where our hero Coop (McConaughey) says good-bye to his 10-year-old daughter Murph (Mackenzie Foy) in her room before heading off to space for one last mission. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin, bedpost, from fulcire to prop — more at balk entry 2

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

fulcrum

noun

ful·​crum ˈfu̇l-krəm  ˈfəl- 

plural fulcrums or fulcra -krə 

: the support about which a lever turns