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

• immediate
• prompt
• speedy
• timely

Examples of punctual in a Sentence

the punctual delivery of the daily mail

Recent Examples on the Web

Ahead of the World Series, which begins tonight, Dan Greene, Daniel A. Gross, and Zach Helfand, who together make up the coaching staff of our vaunted softball team, thought that the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers might appreciate some tips based on their expertise: Be punctual. —Ian Crouch, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024

In 2023, the airport ranked as the world’s most punctual, according to a report from the travel data analytics firm Cirium. —Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024

Another red flag is if your usually punctual bud (who’s known for being reliable) is comfortable canceling plans only with you. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 19 July 2024

That is, by accumulating a capsule accessories wardrobe of sorts, a concise collection of shoes that can interchangeably go with just about everything, letting my clothes do most of the talking, and keeping me (somewhat) punctual. —Pema Bakshi, refinery29.com, 4 Apr. 2024

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