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

The four-year program pinpoints on specific job skills and even provides equipment needed to enter the workforce. — Mekialaya White, CBS News, 8 June 2026

Normal driving and low-speed maneuvers are fine, with a light touch and a quick-ratio rack delivering pinpoint accuracy. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 11 June 2026

Adjective

His round featured a pinpoint six-iron to 10 feet for eagle at the seventh. — Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025

In short, the tacit dress code was ultra-ultra-pinpoint hip, but effortless! — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Verb

But there were few clues to pinpoint the crash site of McKinney’s plane. — Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 1 July 2026

Davis' ability to pinpoint talent was often tied to his nose for commercial success and ear for hits. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 23 June 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