noun

point

poynt

noun

The sharp or narrow end of something.

"She sharpened the pencil to a fine point."

The main idea or purpose of something said or done.

"I think you've missed the point of the argument entirely."

"What's the point of arguing if neither of us will change our mind?"

A unit used for scoring in a game or contest.

"They won by a single point in overtime."

A specific place or moment.

"At this point, we should just cut our losses."

verb

To extend a finger toward something to indicate its location.

"She pointed toward the exit without saying a word."

To aim or direct something toward a target.

"He pointed the flashlight down the dark hallway."

How to Use Point

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sharp tip, a specific place or moment, a scoring unit, or the main idea behind something — plus the verb meaning to indicate direction.

Common pairings

make a point get to the point point the way

Word Forms

pointed past tense, pointed past tense, Points plural, points singular, points singular

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Can you complete this real example?

She sharpened the pencil to a fine _____.

Etymology

From Old French point, "dot, small amount," from Latin punctum, "a prick, small hole," from pungere, "to prick."

Rhymes for point

joint anoint appoint pinpoint gunpoint viewpoint standpoint disappoint PowerPoint checkpoint needlepoint counterpoint

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