defining

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

By contrast, Perry’s relationship with her fiery mother was defining.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

And although it has been one of the defining clubs of the Premier League era, it hasn’t won the championship since 2004.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

“A defining example is how Joyce Chen created Peking ravioli with a meatier filling to appeal to the region’s Italian-influenced tastes, even using the name ‘ravioli’ as a familiar reference point,” says Doo.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

Wales' Green Party manifesto said "climate change is the defining challenge of our time" and "Wales must act urgently to cut emissions, reduce energy demand and accelerate the transition to renewable energy".

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

This was the defining moment in the correspondence.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis