turning point

American  

noun

1. a point at which a decisive change takes place; critical point; crisis.

2. a point at which something changes direction, especially a high or low point on a graph.

3. Surveying. a point temporarily located and marked in order to establish the elevation or position of a surveying instrument at a new station.

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turning point British  

noun

1. a moment when the course of events is changed

   the turning point of his career

2. a point at which there is a change in direction or motion

3. maths a stationary point at which the first derivative of a function changes sign, so that typically its graph does not cross a horizontal tangent

4. surveying a point to which a foresight and a backsight are taken in levelling; change point

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Etymology

Origin of turning point

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

If the YouTube interview was the turning point, the next big moment came on 15 March 2024, a national holiday marking the anniversary of Hungary's failed revolution in 1848.

From BBC

It was also considered a turning point for interest in electric vehicles, as sales surged.

From MarketWatch

The latest deal doesn’t mark a turning point for Lilly, as the company has spelled out its AI ambitions for years.

From Barron's

The regulations are a turning point in a decades-long fight between tribal casinos and the cardroom industry.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, 32 years on, another turning point beckons.

From BBC

Related Words

• climax
• critical point
• crux
• culmination
• juncture
• twist