point
Point (noun) means the sharp or narrow end of something. Example: “She sharpened the pencil to a fine point.”
How to Use Point
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sharp tip, a specific place or moment, a scoring unit, or the main idea behind something — plus the verb meaning to indicate direction.
Word Forms
pointed past tense, pointed past tense, Points plural, points singular, points singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She sharpened the pencil to a fine _____.
Etymology
From Old French point, "dot, small amount," from Latin punctum, "a prick, small hole," from pungere, "to prick."
Related Words
Rhymes for point
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “point” mean?
The word “point” means the sharp or narrow end of something. In plain terms, a sharp tip, a specific place or moment, a scoring unit, or the main idea behind something — plus the verb meaning to indicate direction.
How do you pronounce “point”?
“Point” is pronounced poynt (/pɔɪnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “point” in a sentence?
Here is “point” used in a sentence: “She sharpened the pencil to a fine point.”
What part of speech is “point”?
Depending on how it is used, “point” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “point” come from?
The word “point” comes from Latin. From Old French point, "dot, small amount," from Latin punctum, "a prick, small hole," from pungere, "to prick.".
Is “point” a common word?
“Point” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “point” have?
“Point” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the sharp or narrow end of something.
What is an example of a point?
The point is the sharp or tapered tip of an object, such as the point of a needle, pencil, knife, arrow, or pin. It is the narrow end that pierces, marks, or makes contact, as opposed to the wider body or blunt end behind it.
Does 'point' only mean a sharp end?
No, this is just one sense. 'Point' is among the most versatile words in English and can also mean a dot, a specific place or moment, a unit of score, or the main idea of an argument. Context makes clear whether the sharp-end meaning applies.
What is the difference between a point and an edge?
A point is a single sharp or narrow tip, one concentrated spot like the end of a pin. An edge is the line where two surfaces meet, such as the cutting side of a blade. A point pierces, while an edge slices or forms a border.
What is the opposite of a pointed end?
The opposite of a point is a blunt, rounded, or flat end, one that is not sharp and cannot easily pierce. A pencil worn down or a knife that has lost its point is described as blunt or dull rather than pointed.