pre·ci·sion
pri-ˈsi-zhən 
2
a
: the degree of refinement with which an operation is performed or a measurement stated compare accuracy sense 2b
b
: the accuracy (as in binary or decimal places) with which a number can be represented usually expressed in terms of the number of computer words available for representation
double precision arithmetic permits the representation of an expression by two computer words
1
: adapted for extremely accurate measurement or operation
2
: held to low tolerance in manufacture
3
: marked by precision of execution
Did you know?
Many of us often use precision and accuracy as synonyms, but not scientists and engineers. For them, accuracy describes a particular measurement—that is, how close it is to the truth. But precision describes a measurement system—that is, how good it is at giving the same result every time it measures the same thing. This may be why even nonscientists now often speak of "precision instruments" for measuring, "precision landings" made by airplanes, "precision drilling" for natural gas, and so on.
Examples of precision in a Sentence
Noun
I admire the precision of her work.
the company that measures TV ratings prides itself on the precision of its calculations
Adjective
The airplane made a precision approach for landing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
And at the counter, where chef and guest are separated by little more than a stretch of the hand, everything rests on precision, presence and the quiet thrill of relinquishing control to the chef’s capable hands.
—Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 10 May 2026
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
Tracking foot traffic and transaction volume data — a pillar of any precision retail program — helps stores avoid over- and understaffing, ensuring associates are always on hand to help customers in need.
—Bjoern Petersen, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for precision
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
Everyone right now is playing with the kind of urgency and precision that make that system possible—and other ones as well.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
And at the counter, where chef and guest are separated by little more than a stretch of the hand, everything rests on precision, presence and the quiet thrill of relinquishing control to the chef’s capable hands.
—Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 10 May 2026
Adjective
Electrochemical additive manufacturing enables the creation of pure copper structures with micro-precision details as fine as 30 micrometers, far surpassing the thermal conductivity of standard aluminum alloys.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
Tracking foot traffic and transaction volume data — a pillar of any precision retail program — helps stores avoid over- and understaffing, ensuring associates are always on hand to help customers in need.
—Bjoern Petersen, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for precision
Cite this Entry
“Precision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precision. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
precision
1 of 2 noun
pre·ci·sion
pri-ˈsizh-ən
precision
2 of 2 adjective1
: designed for very accurate measurement or operation
a precision gauge
2
: marked by precision
precision drilling
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
