point
poynt
Point (noun) means the sharp or narrow end of something. Example: “She sharpened the pencil to a fine point.”
noun
1
The sharp or narrow end of something.
"She sharpened the pencil to a fine point."
"Be careful, because the point of that knife is very sharp."
"The needle has a tiny point that slides easily through the cloth."
2
The main idea or purpose of something said or done.
"I think you've missed the point of the argument entirely."
"What's the point of arguing if neither of us will change our mind?"
"The point of the lesson is to show how small habits add up."
3
A unit used for scoring in a game or contest.
"They won by a single point in overtime."
"Our team scored a point just before the final whistle."
"You get one point for every correct answer in the quiz."
4
A specific place or moment.
"At this point, we should just cut our losses."
"The path reaches its highest point near the old stone wall."
"At that point in the film, everyone in the cinema gasped."
verb
1
To extend a finger toward something to indicate its location.
"She pointed toward the exit without saying a word."
"The little boy pointed at the bird sitting on the fence."
"Please point to the place on the map where we are standing."
2
To aim or direct something toward a target.
"He pointed the flashlight down the dark hallway."
"She pointed the camera at the mountains and took a photo."
"Point the remote at the television, then press the red button."
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.
Common pairings
make a point
get to the point
point the way
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- points
- Past tense
- pointed
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
joint
anoint
appoint
endpoint
pinpoint
gunpoint
viewpoint
standpoint
disappoint
PowerPoint
checkpoint
needlepoint
See all 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.
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