defining moment
noun
: the time that shows very clearly what something is really about
That was the campaign's defining moment.
Examples of defining moment in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Its arguable defining moment so far came in a tense interview with Representative Ritchie Torres, one of the Democratic Party’s most ardent defenders of Israel.
—
Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025
His indiscretion did not have to be a defining moment, Coles told him.
—Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Was there a defining moment early in your career that set you on the path toward making hazardous materials and conflict zones safer?
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025
Anders Dreyer’s left-footed rocket goal in Monday’s playoff win may well be the defining moment of San Diego FC’s breakthrough season.
—Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defining moment
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025
His indiscretion did not have to be a defining moment, Coles told him.
—Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Was there a defining moment early in your career that set you on the path toward making hazardous materials and conflict zones safer?
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025
Anders Dreyer’s left-footed rocket goal in Monday’s playoff win may well be the defining moment of San Diego FC’s breakthrough season.
—Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defining moment
Cite this Entry
“Defining moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defining%20moment. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share