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 notesIn plain EnglishTo identify something exactly, or (as an adjective) extremely precise.
Common pairings
pinpoint accuracy
pinpoint the cause
pinpoint a location
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Word forms
- Plural
- pinpoints
- Third person singular
- pinpoints
- Past tense
- pinpointed
- Comparative
- more pinpoint
- Superlative
- most pinpoint
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Doctors were able to _____ the source of the infection.
Etymology
From pin + point, literally "the point of a pin" — used figuratively for extreme precision.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for pinpoint
point
joint
anoint
appoint
endpoint
gunpoint
viewpoint
standpoint
disappoint
PowerPoint
checkpoint
needlepoint
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.
