1. A critical point in time that serves as the turning point in a sequence of events; a decisive moment that determines the direction or outcome of something
The pivotal moment in her career came when she won the championship.
O momento crucial em sua carreira chegou quando ela ganhou o campeonato.
2. A key instant that fundamentally changes the course of history, a relationship, or a situation
That conversation was a pivotal moment in our friendship.
Aquela conversa foi um momento decisivo em nossa amizade.