focal point

noun

1

: focus sense 4a

2

: focus sense 1a

Examples of focal point in a Sentence

This port was the focal point of trade two centuries ago.

Recent Examples on the Web

Low Earth orbit has become a focal point for commercial activity, particularly for satellite internet services designed to provide global coverage with lower latency than traditional geostationary satellites. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026

The crosswalks have become a focal point in a broader debate over local expression versus state uniformity. —Everton Bailey Jr, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026

Pennsylvania’s challenges are a part of a broader national story, but PJM’s near-term imbalance made the region a focal point. —Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 2 Jan. 2026

Fill hurricane vases with magnolia leaves, or something similar, for a green centerpiece, or place camellias in a crystal bowl for a delightfully bright focal point. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for focal point

• counterpoint
• disappoint
• multipoint
• needlepoint
• reappoint
• adjoint
• anoint
• appoint
• checkpoint
• conjoint
• disjoint
• endpoint

Kids Definition

focal point

noun

: focus entry 1 sense 1

Medical Definition

focal point

noun

: focus sense 1a