pinpoint

1 of 3

noun

pin·​point ˈpin-ˌpȯint How to pronounce pinpoint (audio)
Synonyms of pinpointnext
1
: something that is extremely small or insignificant
2
: the point of a pin
3
: an extremely small or sharp point

pinpoint

2 of 3

adjective

1
: extremely fine or precise
2
: located, fixed, or directed with extreme precision
pinpoint targets
3
: small as a pinpoint

pinpoint

3 of 3

verb

pinpointed; pinpointing; pinpoints

transitive verb

1
: to locate or aim with great precision or accuracy
pinpoint a source
2
a
: to fix, determine, or identify with precision
pinpoint the cause
b
: to cause to stand out conspicuously : highlight

Examples of pinpoint in a Sentence

Adjective The pitcher showed pinpoint control of his fastball. the pinpoint measurement of brain tumors is critically important Verb They were finally able to pinpoint the cause of the fire. He pinpointed the city on the map. Rescuers were able to pinpoint where the lost girl was. The military uses computer imaging to pinpoint targets.
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.
Noun
For forward-looking collectors, Baker-Briggs pinpoints Germany as an emerging scene. The Editors, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2025 On the first drive, Maye patiently hit four straight short passes around a scramble, then expertly held a safety with his eyes before launching a 37-yard, pinpoint touchdown to Kyle Williams down the right sideline. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Maybe a thumbstick near the emergency brake would make pinpoint manual landings easier. New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2025 Shaped like a compact disc and modeled after the brand’s Clear mask, this tiny tool delivers pinpoint treatment that helps calm and clear breakouts fast. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2025
Verb
Scientists may have pinpointed a way to reverse Alzheimer’s disease in an animal study. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 29 Dec. 2025 Academic research papers can also be a source of detailed test methods for pinpointing a specific metric or mimicking certain outdoor conditions. Adam Trenkamp, Outside, 27 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pinpoint

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinpoint was in 1670

Cite this Entry

“Pinpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinpoint. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

pinpoint

1 of 3 noun
pin·​point ˈpin-ˌpȯint How to pronounce pinpoint (audio)
1
: the point of a pin
2
: an extremely small or sharp point
a pinpoint of light in the darkness

pinpoint

2 of 3 verb
: to locate or identify exactly
pinpoint your career interests

pinpoint

3 of 3 adjective
1
: extremely fine or exact
pinpoint accuracy
2
: located, fixed, or directed with great exactness

More from Merriam-Webster on pinpoint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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