punctual

adjective

punc·​tu·​al ˈpəŋk-chə-wəl 

-chəl

: being on time : prompt

punctuality

ˌpəŋk-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

noun

punctually

ˈpəŋk-chə-wə-lē 

-chə-lē

adverb

Did you know?

The original meaning of punctual described a puncture made by a surgeon. The word has meant lots of other things through the centuries, usually involving being precise about small points. And today punctuality is all about time; a punctual train or a punctual payment or a punctual person shows up "on the dot".

Synonyms of punctual

• immediate
• timely
• swift
• prompt
• speedy
• quick

Examples of punctual in a Sentence

the punctual delivery of the daily mail

Recent Examples on the Web

Being punctual was something drilled into my head quite early on in my life. — Joseph Liu, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026

That made some players more punctual, but did not solve the problem entirely. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

The world’s most punctual airlines and airports of 2025. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026

Her employer may also be a stickler for being punctual. — Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, having a sharp point, from Medieval Latin punctualis of a point, from Latin punctus pricking, point, from pungere to prick — more at pungent

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

punctual

adjective

punc·​tu·​al ˈpəŋ(k)-chə(-wə)l 

: acting or usually acting at an appointed time or at a regularly scheduled time

the trains were punctual

punctuality

ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

noun

punctually

ˈpəŋ(k)-chə(-wə)-lē 

adverb