epochal

[ ep-uh-kuhlor, especially British, ee-po- ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of an epoch.
2. extremely important, significant, or influential.

Other Words From

• epoch·al·ly adverb
• non·epoch·al adjective
• pre·epoch·al adjective
• un·epoch·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epochal¹

First recorded in 1675–85; epoch + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Yet here Dylan reached back to before that epochal shift with loving covers of late-’50s classics like Chuck Berry’s “Little Queenie” and the Fleetwoods’ “Mr. Blue,” the latter of which felt lighter than air.

From Los Angeles Times

That list didn’t match the epochal achievements of FDR’s New Deal, but it bore comparison to Lyndon B. Johnson’s record of civil rights and voting rights laws and Medicare.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Uncle Vanya” that opened on Wednesday at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, its 10th Broadway revival in 100 years, sees Chekhov’s epochal bet and raises it.

From New York Times

When it was inaugurated in 1900, the Great Drainage Canal of the Valley of Mexico, three centuries in the making, was considered an epochal engineering feat.

From Los Angeles Times

Noting the duality to Bitton’s photography — both human and epochal — Chappelle also writes, “Some of the most iconic images taken of me were captured by him.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consequential
• crucial
• decisive
• eventful
• far-reaching
• fateful
• historic
• meaningful
• memorable
• notable
• pivotal
• significant
• weighty