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Definition of defining

defining

/dɪˈfaɪ.nɪŋ/
de · fin · ing
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defining Lexical Profile

defining Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Critically important in determining the essential character, nature, or outcome of a person, period, or event.

Example

"Graduating from university was a defining moment in her professional journey."

2

Serving to distinguish, characterize, or identify the essential nature of something.

Example

"A long, curved bill is the defining feature of the curlew."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for defining

• Nearby Words

definably
define
definer
defining
definite
definitely
definiteness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the verb 'define', which comes via Old French from Latin 'definire' ('to limit, determine, or explain'), a compound of 'de-' ('completely') and 'finire' ('to bound or limit', from 'finis', meaning 'boundary or end').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Defining. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/defining
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