fulcrum

noun

ful·crum ˈfu̇l-krəm

ˈfəl-

plural fulcrums or fulcra ˈfu̇l-krə

ˈfəl-

: prop

specifically : the support about which a lever turns

the camera moves on a fixed fulcrum, either horizontally (panning) or vertically (tilting) —

Gerald Mast

: one that supplies capability for action

he is … the reader's eyes and ears and the fulcrum of his judgment—

Bernard De Voto

: 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.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web He’s just not convinced Friday’s performance will be the fulcrum for his progress. —

Roy Parry, orlandosentinel.com, 20 Feb. 2021 As Deloris, Davis is the fulcrum of the film, while the face of the actor playing Jordan is never shown. —

Chad Finn, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2023 The area is at the fulcrum of where allies from the U.S., U.K. and around the world provide artillery and weapons to the defenders over the border. —

Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2023 After a pilot that keeps Hank as the fulcrum, the second episode feels like a change of course with an eye toward elongation. —

Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2023 Might this be a fulcrum? —

Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2023 But Tshiebwe is the fulcrum. —

Ryan Black, The Courier-Journal, 28 Oct. 2022 Biden is at the fulcrum. —

Philip Elliott, Time, 14 May 2021 So, this is Lee’s fulcrum. —

Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fulcrum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.