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
For me, the answer became clear during a defining moment early in my career – one that changed my path entirely.
—
Sandra Sjoberg, The Conversation, 25 June 2025
In the 28 Days‘ defining moment, Cillian Murphy’s Jim wakes up from a coma to wander a deserted London.
—Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
This could mean that a defining moment in the biggest club game of the season might swing the tide in the favour of that player.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Trump tests legal strategies as judges block his policies
As the clash becomes a defining moment in the president's second term, conservative activists are pushing Congress to rein in federal judges and pressing Trump to intensify his fight with the courts.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 May 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.
Sandra Sjoberg, The Conversation, 25 June 2025
In the 28 Days‘ defining moment, Cillian Murphy’s Jim wakes up from a coma to wander a deserted London.
—Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
This could mean that a defining moment in the biggest club game of the season might swing the tide in the favour of that player.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Trump tests legal strategies as judges block his policies
As the clash becomes a defining moment in the president's second term, conservative activists are pushing Congress to rein in federal judges and pressing Trump to intensify his fight with the courts.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 May 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 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share