zero in on

phrasal verb

zeroed in on; zeroing in on; zeroes in on
1
: to direct all of one's attention to (someone or something)
Scientists are hoping to zero in on a cure.
2
: to aim something (such as a gun or camera) directly at (someone or something)
The gunner zeroed in on the target.

Examples of zero in on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As the Boston Red Sox zero in on their first playoff berth in four years, free agency is steadily approaching as well. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025 Industry Conversations Map the Future South’s professional program zeroed in on the forces reshaping the audiovisual sector. Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025 The brand is opening its first store in the Italian fashion capital, zeroing in on an intimate location nestled in the arty district of Brera. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025 Repeat these star-hops until you zero in on where Andromeda is. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zero in on

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zero in on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero%20in%20on. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!