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 of pinpoint

Adjective

• accurate
• precise
• mathematical
• exact

Verb

• identify
• find

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

With pinpoint passing, Bryce Young carved up the first-team secondary with several long touchdown passes on a day when the offense got the best of the defense. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 30 July 2026

But more specifically, Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s poem pinpoints how pervasively violence against women is a part of civilization’s moral decay. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026

Adjective

Maybe a thumbstick near the emergency brake would make pinpoint manual landings easier. — New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2025

Shaped like a compact disc and modeled after the brand’s Clear mask, this tiny tool delivers pinpoint treatment that helps calm and clear breakouts fast. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2025

Verb

In that sample, some were considered to be more likely contributors than others, and testing was unable to pinpoint d4vd’s exact probability, a distinction Tosch agreed with. — Jason Kravarik, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Cyclosporiasis has for decades flared in the United States during summer, which has made pinpointing where cases are truly elevated this year difficult business. — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

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

Rhymes for pinpoint

• adjoint
• anoint
• appoint
• checkpoint
• conjoint
• disjoint
• endpoint
• gunpoint
• midpoint
• nonpoint
• standpoint
• viewpoint

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