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

Vučević was supposed to be the fulcrum of Chicago’s attack but instead has become a competent, inoffensive fourth option; the Miami Heat guarded him with Nikola Jović with no consequences whatsoever in Chicago’s Play-In loss. —John Hollinger, The Athletic, 23 Apr. 2024

Popular on Variety Nigro, 42, has been the creative fulcrum for Rodrigo and Roan since early in both their careers, fulfilling his goal of partnering with artists who have a specific vision. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024

The fulcrum of the campaign was the Contract with America, a policy blueprint that stressed reducing the size of government, slashing taxes and welfare reform. —Antonio Fins, USA TODAY, 24 Nov. 2024

An Irish woman teaching English as a foreign language in Hong Kong is the story’s central fulcrum. —Tomi Obaro, Vulture, 21 Nov. 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

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Kids Definition

fulcrum

noun

ful·​crum ˈfu̇l-krəm  ˈfəl- 

plural fulcrums or fulcra -krə 

: the support about which a lever turns