rallying point

noun

plural rallying points
: someone or something that makes people join together to support a person, cause, etc. or that rouses people to action
In the wake of his resignation, Benedict has become a rallying point for conservatives who have opposed Pope Francis.Chris Stevenson
… Peter Singer, whose 1975 book Animal Liberation was a rallying point for critics of livestock farming and animal research.Julian Koplin
A poem titled "A Record of History" opens with the death of Li Wenliang, a doctor in Wuhan who was punished for trying to alert others about the dangers of the coronavirus. His death became a rallying point for freedom of speech and transparency.Lily Kuo

Examples of rallying point in a Sentence

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.
Her case became a rallying point for immigration advocates in a time of tumult and uncertainty for anyone not born in the U.S. Juwayriah Wright, Time, 15 July 2025 The party was held at the (literally) underground venue Sovereign House, a rallying point for Dimes Square. John McDermott, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2025 His case has become a rallying point for opposition to President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. Travis Loller, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025 Huerta, who is now facing federal charges, has become a rallying point for protesters and Democratic lawmakers alike. Miriam Waldvogel, The Hill, 13 June 2025 Netanyahu's Political Struggles With Netanyahu facing political challenges at home, Iran could be a rallying point to strengthen his political standing. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 Babbitt's death was a rallying point for Trump loyalists and Capitol rioters who alleged police used unnecessary force in stopping the mob on Jan. 6. Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 19 May 2025 With a full kitchen, old favorites on the menu, and plans to expand, S.O.B.’s comeback is a rallying point for a town still finding its footing. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025 Democrats have seized on his role with DOGE as a rallying point during the early months of Trump's first term, launching nationwide protests against the group and its government-slashing efforts. Will Steakin, ABC News, 20 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rallying point was in 1774

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Cite this Entry

“Rallying point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rallying%20point. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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