pinpoint

1 of 3

noun

pin·​point ˈpin-ˌpȯint How to pronounce pinpoint (audio)
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

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
Such precision weaponry, if produced on a mass scale, could erode Israel’s technological advantage in air defense and enable Hezbollah to hit Israeli military and civilian targets with pinpoint accuracy. Brian Katz, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2019 Here’s a Nova documentary from the 80s: NOVA: …Having crossed half a continent, tens of millions of butterflies converge toward a pinpoint on the map of Mexico, a 30 by 50 mile area of high mountains and Spanish colonial towns. Outside Online, 25 Sep. 2024
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
Here’s how public health authorities use basic epidemiology to pinpoint the source of a foodborne outbreak to a specific food or vendor. Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 In addition to pinpointing this mechanism, the researchers also identified a promising new treatment approach based on it. New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pinpoint 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pinpoint.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinpoint was in 1670

Dictionary Entries Near pinpoint

Cite this Entry

“Pinpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinpoint. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pinpoint

1 of 3 noun
pin·​point ˈpin-ˌpȯint How to pronounce pinpoint (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on pinpoint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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