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

For example, target buttons can usually be activated with pinpoint accuracy using a mouse but may prove far more challenging on a smaller phone screen for an individual with low vision, someone with dexterity issues or simply because everyone has different-sized fingers. —Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Squeezing in the more than 100 additional components necessary to have a modern-style wristwatch strike with pinpoint accuracy and rich, clear peals — each watch sounds subtly different — is considered the height of horological craft, and most companies abandoned such complex models long ago. —Nancy Hass, New York Times, 26 Feb. 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