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
Ben Standig, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024
Russell fired a pinpoint bounce pass that found his teammate, who exploded toward the rim for the tough layup and a foul.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 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
Harsh V. Pant, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2024
In research released this week, the test was shown to be effective at identifying the cause of neurological infections such as meningitis and has helped doctors pinpoint the cause of a meningitis outbreak in Mexico.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pinpoint 
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Noun
The moxie to audible — without permission — and deliver a pinpoint pass for a 42-yard gain is intoxicating.
—Ben Standig, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024
Russell fired a pinpoint bounce pass that found his teammate, who exploded toward the rim for the tough layup and a foul.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 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
This economic security ministry could undertake an audit of supply chains to pinpoint risks and seek alternative suppliers to diversify imports.
—Harsh V. Pant, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2024
In research released this week, the test was shown to be effective at identifying the cause of neurological infections such as meningitis and has helped doctors pinpoint the cause of a meningitis outbreak in Mexico.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Nov. 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 28 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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