ˈkɹuː.ʃəl ɪˈsɛn.ʃəl ɪmˈpɔːtənt ɪmˈpɔɹtənt of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis a crucial moment in his career a crucial election a crucial issue for women of the greatest importance the all-important subject of disarmament crucial information in chess cool nerves are of the essence having crucial relevance crucial to the case