pivotal

adjective

piv·​ot·​al ˈpi-və-tᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a pivot
2
: vitally important : critical
pivotally adverb

Examples of pivotal in a Sentence

She is at a pivotal point in her career. the report was missing a pivotal piece of information
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Despite his criticism, Boyega said his time with the franchise became a pivotal point for his acting career. Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025 Important advice for all university leaders at a pivotal moment in higher education. Karen Weaver, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The textile industry is facing a pivotal moment of transformation. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2025 The name—and the drama surrounding the location—stuck, and people have been using it to describe the pivotal point on the course ever since. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pivotal

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of pivotal was in 1838

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Cite this Entry

“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pivotal. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

pivotal

adjective
piv·​ot·​al ˈpiv-ət-ᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or functioning as a pivot
2
: extremely important : critical
a pivotal discovery
pivotally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pivotal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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