# fulcrum

/ˈfʊɫkɹəm/ (US) · /fˈʌlkɹəm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fulcrum
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

the central point on which a lever turns. It is the part that stays still while the other parts move.

For teachers: the point on which a lever rests and on which it pivots. In a broader sense, it refers to the central point or pivot of an activity or situation.

## Examples

- The fulcrum of the seesaw is in the middle.
- The engineer adjusted the position of the fulcrum to ensure the heavy door opened with less effort.
- The treaty served as the fulcrum of the new peace agreement, balancing the demands of the two warring factions while leaving room for future negotiations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.