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 dekes, the rushes, the pinpoint passing, the whisper-perfect one-time goals. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

This simulated fast charging across various electrode thicknesses, porosities, and binder distributions to map lithium-ion movement, pinpoint lithium plating, and isolate structural stress. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 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

Whether any storms billow up over the area this weekend is hard to pinpoint, but the potential is there for localized drenching downpours. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

He was also pinpointed in the area at the time of the shooting via cellphone tower data, court documents show. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 27 Aug. 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