pinpoint

1 of 3

noun

pin·​point ˈpin-ˌpȯint 

1

: something that is extremely small or insignificant

2

: the point of a pin

3

: an extremely small or sharp point

pinpoint

2 of 3

adjective

1

: extremely fine or precise

2

: located, fixed, or directed with extreme precision

pinpoint targets

3

: small as a pinpoint

pinpoint

3 of 3

verb

pinpointed; pinpointing; pinpoints

transitive verb

1

: to locate or aim with great precision or accuracy

pinpoint a source

2

a

: to fix, determine, or identify with precision

pinpoint the cause

b

: to cause to stand out conspicuously : highlight

Synonyms

Adjective

• accurate
• close
• delicate
• exact
• fine
• hairline
• mathematical
• precise
• refined
• rigorous
• spot-on

Verb

• distinguish
• finger
• ID
• identify
• single (out)

Examples of pinpoint in a Sentence

Adjective

The pitcher showed pinpoint control of his fastball.

the pinpoint measurement of brain tumors is critically important

Verb

They were finally able to pinpoint the cause of the fire.

He pinpointed the city on the map.

Rescuers were able to pinpoint where the lost girl was.

The military uses computer imaging to pinpoint targets.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Unfolding predominantly in static frames that keep the story laser-focused, with pinpoint use of American contemporary classical composer Caroline Shaw’s needling vocal score, this is an austerely effective work. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 May 2024

Both kept batters from keying in on their pinpoint fastballs by mixing in a diverse array of sliders, sinkers and curveballs. —Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 18 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pinpoint

1 of 3 noun

pin·​point ˈpin-ˌpȯint 

1

: the point of a pin

2

: an extremely small or sharp point

a pinpoint of light in the darkness

pinpoint

2 of 3 verb

: to locate or identify exactly

pinpoint your career interests

pinpoint

3 of 3 adjective

1

: extremely fine or exact

pinpoint accuracy

2

: located, fixed, or directed with great exactness