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

Everyone is incredibly punctual. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025

Additionally, showing up also means being punctual, an important part of your professional image these days. —Joseph Liu, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Fringe is generally quite punctual, so please be on time — or, even better, a few minutes early. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 30 July 2025

All in all, this was an extremely positive experience: The delivery crew was punctual, kind, efficient, and cleaned up all packing materials before leaving. —Briana Feigon, Architectural Digest, 19 June 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