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
Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
Instead, scenes of detective action flash by in a pinpoint moment rather than overstaying their welcome.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
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
Lee Billings, Scientific American, 21 Jan. 2026
That same month, the business also plans to work with other organizations in funding Blue Star Families’ release of Military Spouse Employment Research with the aim of pinpointing actionable solutions to their raging unemployment.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pinpoint
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
When the count figures are released in late spring or early summer, the numbers help the county and cities pinpoint areas of need, and also may determine the amount of federal and state dollars for homeless services.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
Instead, scenes of detective action flash by in a pinpoint moment rather than overstaying their welcome.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Jan. 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
But the method could prove essential for pinpointing hazardous debris on the ground to aid recovery and remediation efforts.
—Lee Billings, Scientific American, 21 Jan. 2026
That same month, the business also plans to work with other organizations in funding Blue Star Families’ release of Military Spouse Employment Research with the aim of pinpointing actionable solutions to their raging unemployment.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Jan. 2026
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 Jan. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
