noun
juncture
JUHNGK-chuh
Juncture (noun) means a particular point in time, especially a critical or important one. Example: “At this juncture, we need to decide whether to expand or hold steady.”
noun
1
A particular point in time, especially a critical or important one.
"The object is to keep the yard operators apprised of main-line movements, so that they do not plan to occupy the main lines with activity into or out of the yard at an inopportune juncture."
— G. Freeman Allen, The New Look in Scotland's Northern Division—II (1962)
"We're at a crucial juncture in our relationship."
"At this juncture, we need to decide whether to expand or hold steady."
2
A place where two things join, a junction.
"The pipe cracked right at the juncture with the wall fitting."
How to use juncture
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually used to mean a critical moment in time, as in "at this juncture."
Common mistake
Don't confuse with junction — junction is almost always physical (roads, wires); juncture is usually about timing ("at this juncture").
Easily confused with
Common pairings
at this juncture
a critical juncture
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like juncture.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- junctures
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
At this _____, we need to decide whether to expand or hold steady.
Etymology
From Latin iunctura, "a joining" — the same root as junction.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for juncture
See all rhymes for juncture →Frequently asked questions
What does “juncture” mean?
The word “juncture” means a particular point in time, especially a critical or important one. In plain terms, usually used to mean a critical moment in time, as in "at this juncture.".
How do you pronounce “juncture”?
“Juncture” is pronounced JUHNGK-chuh (/ˈd͡ʒʌŋk.t͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “juncture” in a sentence?
Here is “juncture” used in a sentence: “At this juncture, we need to decide whether to expand or hold steady.”
What part of speech is “juncture”?
“Juncture” is a noun.
Where does the word “juncture” come from?
The word “juncture” comes from Latin. From Latin iunctura, "a joining" — the same root as junction.
How many meanings does “juncture” have?
“Juncture” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a particular point in time, especially a critical or important one.
