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.

The legal showdown between Elon Musk and OpenAI exposed the personal and financial fault lines beneath Silicon Valley’s defining boom.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

But 2020 was a defining proof of concept.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

But financial constraints, inconsistent support systems and limited access to global markets remain, albeit in different forms — and the creative hustle of that defining era is still as important as ever.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

Dubois, meanwhile, has operated at the higher level and his concussive punching power remains his defining asset, with 21 of his 22 victories coming inside the distance.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

At a defining moment in American history, slavery not only continued, it was granted the Constitution’s official blessing.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis