punctual

adjective

punc·​tu·​al ˈpəŋk-chə-wəl 

-chəl

: being on time : prompt

punctuality

ˌpəŋk-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

noun

punctually

ˈpəŋk-chə-wə-lē 

-chə-lē

adverb

Did you know?

The original meaning of punctual described a puncture made by a surgeon. The word has meant lots of other things through the centuries, usually involving being precise about small points. And today punctuality is all about time; a punctual train or a punctual payment or a punctual person shows up "on the dot".

Synonyms of punctual

• immediate
• timely
• swift
• prompt
• speedy
• quick

Examples of punctual in a Sentence

the punctual delivery of the daily mail

Recent Examples on the Web

Lily is in charge of these (Friends of Pacific Beach Secondary Schools) funds and her communication and punctuality are always professional and punctual. —Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

Heart for animals Bouffard’s co-workers and family celebrated her Sunday as a punctual, reliable colleague and friend who liked to smoke, drink, gamble and have a good time. —Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026

Be punctual for shore excursions and activities to avoid delays or missing out without a refund. —Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

The world’s most punctual airlines and airports of 2025. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, having a sharp point, from Medieval Latin punctualis of a point, from Latin punctus pricking, point, from pungere to prick — more at pungent

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

punctual

adjective

punc·​tu·​al ˈpəŋ(k)-chə(-wə)l 

: acting or usually acting at an appointed time or at a regularly scheduled time

the trains were punctual

punctuality

ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

noun

punctually

ˈpəŋ(k)-chə(-wə)-lē 

adverb