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.
More news: Yankees Make Trade, Send Pitcher to NL Central Club In the 2021 postseason, Matzek played a pivotal role in the Braves' World Series run, going 3-0 with a 1.72 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 13 appearances and 15.2 innings. Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 Michaels, 35, was playing a foot soldier in the White Walkers’ army of the dead during a climactic battle sequence in The Long Night, the pivotal third episode in Season 8. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 May 2025 Then came 2010, a pivotal year for Elissa and for Xu — in ways both good and bad. Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025 And that’s why his phone call, expected to take place with Russian President Vladimir Putin later today, may be of such pivotal importance. Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 19 May 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 23 May. 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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