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
Now in its 152nd year, the Kentucky Derby is the longest continuously held sporting event in North America and a defining moment on the American social calendar.
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Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
Admiral Kevin Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard, said the discovery reconnects the service to a defining moment in its history.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
The Battle of Copenhagen is a defining moment in Danish history, and played a part in shaping the nation's identity — making the excavation especially significant for the country.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
The defining moment of San Francisco getting mixed up with Cincinnati was when left-hander Erik Miller struck out rookie Sal Stewart to end last Thursday’s game, then subsequently ignited a benches-clearing brouhaha.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
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Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
Admiral Kevin Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard, said the discovery reconnects the service to a defining moment in its history.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
The Battle of Copenhagen is a defining moment in Danish history, and played a part in shaping the nation's identity — making the excavation especially significant for the country.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
The defining moment of San Francisco getting mixed up with Cincinnati was when left-hander Erik Miller struck out rookie Sal Stewart to end last Thursday’s game, then subsequently ignited a benches-clearing brouhaha.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
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 3 May. 2026.
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