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

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

Delta Air Lines was the most punctual airline in the United States last year, taking the top spot for the fifth consecutive year. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026

Instead be polite, punctual and always turn your camera on. —The Hill, 12 Dec. 2025

Additionally, the site requires drivers to be punctual and properly dressed, which means closed-toe shoes and clean work clothes. —Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Nov. 2025

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