pinpoint

1 of 3

noun

pin·​point ˈpin-ˌpȯint How to pronounce pinpoint (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Map: Bastrop County fire tracker The fire tracker provides a map with a pinpoint location of the fire and also shows where red flag warnings are in effect, among other information. Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 4 Nov. 2024 In the Russo-Ukrainian war, what might come next is a pinpoint strike from the deadly Switchblade, a weapon central to Nawabi’s ambitions to make AeroVironment a multibillion-dollar company in the next three to five years, up from $717 million in revenue in its fiscal 2024. Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Second, the singular nature of Eve is not a quasi-creationist argument for a pinpoint origin of humanity in a unique woman. Stephen Jay Gould, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 Saturday’s maneuver required pinpoint hand-eye coordination, body control and a flourish of power. Phil Thompson, SFChronicle.com, 16 Feb. 2020
Verb
Integrated with real-time tracking for comprehensive visibility, digital twins help pinpoint vulnerabilities, enhance processes and strengthen supply chains. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025 As Steele tried to pinpoint her scoring average, the figure seemed inconceivable to her. Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pinpoint 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinpoint was in 1670

Dictionary Entries Near pinpoint

Cite this Entry

“Pinpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinpoint. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

pinpoint

1 of 3 noun
pin·​point ˈpin-ˌpȯint How to pronounce pinpoint (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on pinpoint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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