First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1point
noun \ˈpȯint\
: an idea that you try to make other people accept or understand
: a particular detail of an idea or argument
the point : the main or most important idea of something that is said or written
Full Definition of POINT
1
2
obsolete : physical condition
3
: an end or object to be achieved : purpose <did not see what point there was in continuing the discussion>
4
a : a geometric element that has zero dimensions and a location determinable by an ordered set of coordinates b (1) : a narrowly localized place having a precisely indicated position <walked to a point 50 yards north of the building> (2) : a particular place : locality <have come from distant points> c (1) : an exact moment <at this point I was interrupted> (2) : a time interval immediately before something indicated : verge <at the point of death> d (1) : a particular step, stage, or degree in development <had reached the point where nothing seemed to matter anymore> (2) : a definite position in a scale
5
a : the terminal usually sharp or narrowly rounded part of something : tip b : a weapon or tool having such a part and used for stabbing or piercing: as (1) : arrowhead (2) : spearhead c (1) : the contact or discharge extremity of an electric device (as a spark plug or distributor) (2) chiefly British : an electric outlet
6
a : a projecting usually tapering piece of land or a sharp prominence b (1) : the tip of a projecting body part (2) : tine 2 (3) plural : the extremities or markings of the extremities of an animal especially when of a color differing from the rest of the body c : a railroad switch d : the head of the bow of a stringed instrument
7
: a short musical phrase; especially : a phrase in contrapuntal music
8
9
: a lace for tying parts of a garment together used especially in the 16th and 17th centuries
10
: one of usually 11 divisions of a heraldic shield that determines the position of a charge
11
a : one of the 32 equidistant spots of a compass card for indicating direction b : the difference of 111⁄4 degrees between two such successive points c : a direction indicated by a compass point <from all points of the compass>
12
: a small detachment ahead of an advance guard or behind a rear guard
13
a : needlepoint 1 b : lace made with a bobbin
14
: one of 12 spaces marked off on each side of a backgammon board
15
: a unit of measurement: as a (1) : a unit of counting in the scoring of a game or contest (2) : a unit used in evaluating the strength of a bridge hand b : a unit of academic credit c (1) : a unit used in quoting prices (as of stocks, bonds, and commodities) (2) plural : a percentage of the face value of a loan often added as a placement fee or service charge (3) : a percentage of the profits of a business venture (as a motion-picture production) d : a unit of about 1⁄72 inch used especially to measure the size of type
16
: the action of pointing: as a : the rigidly intent attitude of a hunting dog marking game for a gunner b : the action in dancing of extending one leg and arching the foot so that only the tips of the toes touch the floor
17
: a position of a player in various games (as lacrosse); also : the player of such a position
18
19
: credit accruing from creating a good impression <scored points for hard work>
— beside the point
— in point of
: with regard to : in the matter of <in point of law> <in point of fact>
See point defined for English-language learners
See point defined for kids
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Origin of POINT
Middle English, partly from Anglo-French, prick, dot, moment, from Latin punctum, from neuter of punctus, past participle of pungere to prick; partly from Anglo-French pointe sharp end, from Vulgar Latin *puncta, from Latin, feminine of punctus, past participle — more at pungent
Related to POINT
- Synonyms
- juncture, moment of truth
Rhymes with POINT
2point
verb
: to show someone where to look by moving your finger or an object held in your hand in a particular direction
: to cause the front or tip of (something) to be turned toward someone or something
: to have the end or tip extended, aimed, or turned in a specified direction
Full Definition of POINT
transitive verb
1
a : to furnish with a point : sharpen <pointing a pencil with a knife> b : to give added force, emphasis, or piquancy to <point up a remark>
2
: to scratch out the old mortar from the joints of (as a brick wall) and fill in with new material
3
4
a (1) : to indicate the position or direction of especially by extending a finger <point the way home> (2) : to direct someone's attention to <point the way to new knowledge — Elizabeth Hall> —usually used with out or up <point out a mistake> <points up the difference> b of a hunting dog : to indicate the presence and place of (game) by a point
5
a : to cause to be turned in a particular direction <point a gun> <pointed the boat upstream> b : to extend (a leg) and arch (the foot) in executing a point in dancing
intransitive verb
1
a : to indicate the fact or probability of something specified <everything points to a bright future> b : to indicate the position or direction of something especially by extending a finger <point at the map> c : to direct attention <can point with pride to their own traditions> d : to point game <a dog that points well>
2
a : to lie extended, aimed, or turned in a particular direction <a directional arrow that pointed to the north> b : to execute a point in dancing
3
of a ship : to sail close to the wind
4
: to train for a particular contest
See point defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of POINT
14th century
POINT Defined for Kids
1point
noun \ˈpȯint\
Definition of POINT for Kids
1
: a separate or particular detail : item <She explained the main points of the plan.>
2
: an individual quality : characteristic <He has many good points.>
3
: the chief idea or meaning <the point of a story>
5
: a geometric element that has a position but no dimensions and is pictured as a small dot
6
: a particular place or position <We saw points of interest in the city.>
7
: a particular stage or moment <the boiling point> <Let's stop at this point.>
8
: the usually sharp end (as of a sword, pin, or pencil)
9
: a piece of land that sticks out
10
: a dot in writing or printing
11
: one of the 32 marks indicating direction on a compass
12
: a unit of scoring in a game <I scored fifteen points.>
— point·ed \ˈpȯin-təd\ adjective <a pointed tool>
— pointy \ˈpȯin-tē\ adjective <pointy shoes>
2point
verb
point·edpoint·ing
Definition of POINT for Kids
1
: to show the position or direction of something especially by extending a finger in a particular direction <He pointed to the door.>
2
: to direct someone's attention to <I pointed out the mistakes.>
4
: to give a sharp end to <point a pencil>
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