pivotal

adjective

piv·​ot·​al ˈpi-və-tᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a pivot
2
: vitally important : critical
pivotally adverb

Examples of pivotal in a Sentence

She is at a pivotal point in her career. the report was missing a pivotal piece of information
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Although initial discussions started around 1999, the pivotal moment came during the blackouts of 2001. David Blekhman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 Lorde, whose music is featured at a pivotal moment in the show, also attended a performance at the Booth Theatre last week. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025 The Carolina Panthers are nearing a pivotal second training camp for head coach Dave Canales and his coaching staff. Mike Kaye july 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025 Murphy had put together an electric guitar arrangement of the theme which was used at a pivotal moment. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pivotal

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of pivotal was in 1838

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Cite this Entry

“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pivotal. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

pivotal

adjective
piv·​ot·​al ˈpiv-ət-ᵊl How to pronounce pivotal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or functioning as a pivot
2
: extremely important : critical
a pivotal discovery
pivotally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pivotal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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