pin·point
ˈpin-ˌpȯint 
1
: something that is extremely small or insignificant
2
: the point of a pin
3
: an extremely small or sharp point
1
: extremely fine or precise
2
: located, fixed, or directed with extreme precision
pinpoint targets
3
: small as a pinpoint
pinpointed; pinpointing; pinpoints
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
Synonyms
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
Brian Katz, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2019
Here’s a Nova documentary from the 80s: NOVA: …Having crossed half a continent, tens of millions of butterflies converge toward a pinpoint on the map of Mexico, a 30 by 50 mile area of high mountains and Spanish colonial towns.
—Outside Online, 25 Sep. 2024
Stephen Jay Gould, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
Saturday’s maneuver required pinpoint hand-eye coordination, body control and a flourish of power.
—Phil Thompson, SFChronicle.com, 16 Feb. 2020
Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
In addition to pinpointing this mechanism, the researchers also identified a promising new treatment approach based on it.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pinpoint 
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illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
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Noun
Such precision weaponry, if produced on a mass scale, could erode Israel’s technological advantage in air defense and enable Hezbollah to hit Israeli military and civilian targets with pinpoint accuracy.
—Brian Katz, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2019
Here’s a Nova documentary from the 80s: NOVA: …Having crossed half a continent, tens of millions of butterflies converge toward a pinpoint on the map of Mexico, a 30 by 50 mile area of high mountains and Spanish colonial towns.
—Outside Online, 25 Sep. 2024
Adjective
Second, the singular nature of Eve is not a quasi-creationist argument for a pinpoint origin of humanity in a unique woman.
—Stephen Jay Gould, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
Saturday’s maneuver required pinpoint hand-eye coordination, body control and a flourish of power.
—Phil Thompson, SFChronicle.com, 16 Feb. 2020
Verb
Here’s how public health authorities use basic epidemiology to pinpoint the source of a foodborne outbreak to a specific food or vendor.
—Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
In addition to pinpointing this mechanism, the researchers also identified a promising new treatment approach based on it.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pinpoint
Dictionary Entries Near pinpoint
Cite this Entry
“Pinpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinpoint. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pinpoint
1 of 3 noun
pin·point
ˈpin-ˌpȯint
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 adjective1
: extremely fine or exact
pinpoint accuracy
2
: located, fixed, or directed with great exactness
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