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
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
United’s corner routines haven’t been complicated this season, but simple tasks that the players can perfect are effective on set pieces, especially when coupled with pinpoint deliveries. Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025 Capturing the constellations can be tricky and can often require manual focus to get the stars pinpoint sharp but autofocus can help. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Getting perfectly pinpoint stars can be a struggle from the lack of low-light autofocus and struggles with faint objects in the optical viewfinder. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2025 In short, the tacit dress code was ultra-ultra-pinpoint hip, but effortless! Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
In terms of style, the 2026 Interior Design Trends by 1stDibs pinpointed that eclecticism and maximalism were among the top design trends. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 17 Nov. 2025 To resolve those unknowns, the team’s next step is to pinpoint how the worm’s sulfide armor forms at the molecular level. New Atlas, 16 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pinpoint

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

Cite this Entry

“Pinpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinpoint. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

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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