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
1
: extremely fine or precise
2
: located, fixed, or directed with extreme precision
pinpoint targets
3
: small as a pinpoint
pinpointed; pinpointing; pinpoints
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
Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Read More: Can Strong Magnetic Pulses Cure Depression? New Way to Change Brain Activity
Using MRI guidance, researchers applied low-intensity, high-frequency ultrasound with pinpoint accuracy (within millimeters) to the left amygdala.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025
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
Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 May 2025
Cramer pinpointed a few reasons several stocks with solid dividends declined today — namely, rising bond yields, especially the 10-Year Treasury.
—Julie Coleman, CNBC, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pinpoint
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The iconic circuit is narrow, requiring pinpoint accuracy because even being a millimeter off can be a costly error as the drivers navigate around famous buildings, a tight hairpin, and past a slew of yachts.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Read More: Can Strong Magnetic Pulses Cure Depression? New Way to Change Brain Activity
Using MRI guidance, researchers applied low-intensity, high-frequency ultrasound with pinpoint accuracy (within millimeters) to the left amygdala.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025
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
She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors struggled to pinpoint the cause of her deteriorating condition.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 May 2025
Cramer pinpointed a few reasons several stocks with solid dividends declined today — namely, rising bond yields, especially the 10-Year Treasury.
—Julie Coleman, CNBC, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pinpoint
Cite this Entry
“Pinpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinpoint. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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 adjective1
: extremely fine or exact
pinpoint accuracy
2
: located, fixed, or directed with great exactness
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