From the M-W Editors
Examples of punctual in a Sentence
the punctual delivery of the daily mail
Recent Examples of punctual from the Web
-
As RCPO, my official duties included maintaining good order, discipline, security, and maintaining punctual training schedules.
-
Mike Afshin, the store manager, said Moore and another employee from the cult were always honest and punctual.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'punctual'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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".
Origin and Etymology of punctual
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
PUNCTUAL Defined for English Language Learners
punctual
playDefinition of punctual for English Language Learners
-
: arriving or doing something at the expected or planned time
PUNCTUAL Defined for Kids
punctual
playDefinition of punctual for Students
: arriving or acting at the right time : not late
puntually
adverbWord Root of punctual
The Latin word pungere, meaning “to prick” or “to pierce,” and its form punctus give us the roots pung and punct. Words from the Latin pungere have something to do with pricking or piercing. To puncture is to pierce with something pointed. A pungent smell is one that is so strong and sharp that it pierces the nose. Someone punctual acts at the exact point when the hands of the clock prick the right moment. Punctuation pierces a string of words to form separate sentences.
Learn More about punctual
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for punctual Spanish Central: Translation of punctual Nglish: Translation of punctual for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of punctual for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up punctual? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!