the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
adj. Of or pertaining to a pivot or turning point; belonging to, or constituting, a pivot; of the nature of a pivot
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
Of the nature of or forming a pivot; belonging to or constituting a pivot, or that upon which something turns or depends: as, a pivotal question; a pivotal State in an election.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
adj. being of crucial importance
Word Usage
"SNOW (voice-over): Senator Joseph Lieberman thanked Hispanic clergymen for endorsing him in what he called a pivotal moment of his difficult campaign."