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

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

Examples of punctual in a Sentence

the punctual delivery of the daily mail

Recent Examples on the Web

Scandinavia’s premier airlines, SAS, was named as Europe’s most punctual airline and offers nonstop flights from cities like New York to CPH with a complimentary stopover option through Copenhagen for up to 72 hours. —Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

The result is sweet, lyrical detail and smooth, punctual bass that earned the pair a perfect 10/10 review score from WIRED editor Parker Hall. —Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 27 May 2025

The Pill also delivers big, polished sound, with refined clarity and punctual definition. —Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 24 May 2025

Even Germany’s traditionally punctual train service has become a laughingstock, with jokes about late or canceled trains now standard fare for German comics. —Mark I. Vail, The Conversation, 16 May 2025

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