rallying point

noun

plural rallying points
: someone or something that makes people join together to support a person, cause, etc. or that rouses people to action
In the wake of his resignation, Benedict has become a rallying point for conservatives who have opposed Pope Francis.Chris Stevenson
… Peter Singer, whose 1975 book Animal Liberation was a rallying point for critics of livestock farming and animal research.Julian Koplin
A poem titled "A Record of History" opens with the death of Li Wenliang, a doctor in Wuhan who was punished for trying to alert others about the dangers of the coronavirus. His death became a rallying point for freedom of speech and transparency.Lily Kuo

Examples of rallying point in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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His case has become a rallying point for opposition to President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. Travis Loller, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025 Huerta, who is now facing federal charges, has become a rallying point for protesters and Democratic lawmakers alike. Miriam Waldvogel, The Hill, 13 June 2025 Netanyahu's Political Struggles With Netanyahu facing political challenges at home, Iran could be a rallying point to strengthen his political standing. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 Babbitt's death was a rallying point for Trump loyalists and Capitol rioters who alleged police used unnecessary force in stopping the mob on Jan. 6. Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 19 May 2025 With a full kitchen, old favorites on the menu, and plans to expand, S.O.B.’s comeback is a rallying point for a town still finding its footing. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025 Democrats have seized on his role with DOGE as a rallying point during the early months of Trump's first term, launching nationwide protests against the group and its government-slashing efforts. Will Steakin, ABC News, 20 May 2025 Democrats are using them as a rallying point over the chaotic early months of Donald Trump’s second presidency. Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 His on-field performance was often a rallying point for players on both sides of the ball. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rallying point was in 1774

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Cite this Entry

“Rallying point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rallying%20point. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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