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verb Uncommon

pinpoint

PIHN-poynt

Pinpoint (verb) means to identify or locate something with great precision. Example: “Doctors were able to pinpoint the source of the infection.”

verb
1
To identify or locate something with great precision.
"Doctors were able to pinpoint the source of the infection."
"The GPS pinpointed her exact location on the map."
adj
1
Extremely precise or exact.
"The surgeon needed pinpoint accuracy for the procedure."

How to use pinpoint

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo identify something exactly, or (as an adjective) extremely precise.

Common pairings
pinpoint accuracy pinpoint the cause pinpoint a location

Word forms

more pinpoint comparative, pinpointed past tense, pinpoints plural, pinpoints singular, most pinpoint superlative

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Doctors were able to _____ the source of the infection.

Etymology

From pin + point, literally "the point of a pin" — used figuratively for extreme precision.

Related words

Rhymes for pinpoint

See all rhymes for pinpoint →

Frequently asked questions

What does “pinpoint” mean?

The word “pinpoint” means to identify or locate something with great precision. In plain terms, to identify something exactly, or (as an adjective) extremely precise.

How do you pronounce “pinpoint”?

“Pinpoint” is pronounced PIHN-poynt (/ˈpɪnpɔɪnt/ in IPA).

How do you use “pinpoint” in a sentence?

Here is “pinpoint” used in a sentence: “Doctors were able to pinpoint the source of the infection.”

What part of speech is “pinpoint”?

Depending on how it is used, “pinpoint” can be a verb and an adjective.

Is “pinpoint” a common word?

“Pinpoint” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “pinpoint” have?

“Pinpoint” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to identify or locate something with great precision.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial