WordGarden.iopoint
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɔɪnt/
US
- /ˈpɔɪnt/
Meanings
Noun
the main idea, purpose, or reason something matters
a single unit in scoring, grading, or measurement
a sharp tip or tapered end
More meaningsFewer meanings
a specific place, stage, or moment in something
Verb
to direct a finger, hand, weapon, or object toward someone or something
to indicate or suggest a conclusion or direction
Beyond the definition
A "point" can be many things! It could be the sharp end of something, like the point of a pencil. Or it could be a specific location: "The meeting point is at the library." But "point" also refers to an idea or argument—"What's your main point?" or "I see your point." Sometimes, it even means purpose: "There's no point in arguing."
Think of marking a spot on paper; you make a point. Or consider a story—every good story has a point, a message it wants to share. You can also point at something to show where it is, or point out a mistake someone made. The phrase "to the point" means direct and clear—getting straight to the important part.
The word "point" is surprisingly versatile, holding multiple meanings depending on context. At its most basic, a point is a sharp or tapered end—think of the tip of a needle, a spear, or a pen. It represents the place where things converge to a narrow focus. "She carefully sharpened the point of her pencil."
Beyond physical sharpness, "point" can refer to a precise location in space or time, such as a "starting point" or a "turning point" in history. It also signifies an idea, opinion, or purpose. When someone asks "What's your point?" they are asking you to clarify your main argument or intention. In the world of competition, a point is a unit of scoring used to determine a winner.
"Point" is also frequently used as a verb: you can "point out" a detail to someone or "point to" an object to direct their attention. You might even be "on the point of" doing something, meaning you are just about to start. In mathematics, a point is a basic element in geometry with no size, or the decimal mark used to separate whole numbers from fractions.
Figuratively, being "to the point" means being concise and relevant—getting straight to the heart of the matter. Whether it's a physical tip, a score in a game, or a compelling idea, the word "point" represents focus, precision, and significance.
Examples
- 1
Pencil tip
The point of my pencil broke, so I need to sharpen it.
- 2
Gesture
She pointed to the empty chair and asked me to sit down.
- 3
Warning
Don't point that thing at me.
- 4
Direction
This arrow points to the nearest exit.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Noticing mistakes
The teacher pointed out a small mistake in my answer.
- Phrasepoint out
show or mention something someone may not notice
- 6
Evidence
All the signs point to a busy summer for the hotel.
- Patternpoint to + fact/outcome
suggest that it is true or likely
- 7
Main idea
I missed the main point of the story.
- 8
Purpose
What's the point of calling him if he never answers?
- Patternwhat's the point of + doing X?
why do it if it has no useful result?
- 9
Argument
You make a good point, but I still disagree.
- 10
Stage
At this point, we should stop and ask for help.
- Phraseat this point
now, at this stage in a situation
- 11
Opinion
From my point of view, the plan is too expensive.
- 12
Deliberate action
She made a point of thanking everyone before she left.
- Patternmake a point of + doing X
deliberately do it because it is important to you
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pointnounverb
Forms
- pointspluralnounverb
- pointedpast tenseverbnoun
- pointing-ing formverbnoun