defining
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Meaning · English
Serving to define or distinguish.
Adjective
Examples
The ability to reproduce is a defining characteristic of living organisms.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “defining” mean?
Serving to define or distinguish.
Is “defining” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.