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.

Some have interpreted this as the defining moment when A.I. surpassed human prowess in math, akin to the moment in 1997 when IBM’s Deep Blue took down chess champ Garry Kasparov.

From Slate • Jun. 22, 2026

Originally created for the singer's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, the throne became a defining image of his final appearance on stage.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

The latest installment of the iconic franchise is about the defining conflict of modern parenting and childhood: toys vs. tech.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 20, 2026

News of her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans who remembered her as both a defining childhood voice and one of early-2000s cinema’s most recognizable young actors.

From Salon • Jun. 19, 2026

I just need to figure out who I am without school, or family, or anything else defining me.

From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart