poignant
Americanadjective
-
sharply distressing or painful to the feelings
-
to the point; cutting or piercing
poignant wit
-
keen or pertinent in mental appeal
a poignant subject
-
pungent in smell
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of poignant
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English poynaunt, from Middle French poignant, literally, “stinging,” present participle of poindre “to appear, emerge,” earlier “to prick, sting,” from Latin pungere; see pungent
Explanation
Something that is poignant touches you deeply. Watching a poignant YouTube video about baby penguins chasing their mothers, for example, might give you a lump in your throat. Poignant comes from the Latin pungere, "to prick," the same root as pungent. But something that's pungent pricks your sense of smell, whereas poignant refers to something that pricks your emotions, especially in a melancholy way. Movie critics might describe a touching portrayal as poignant if there isn't a dry eye in the house.
Vocabulary lists containing poignant
Grade 12, List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 7
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But McElwee’s nonlinear construction and brusque, confessional narration slowly transform the film into something much deeper, a poignant work of art that instantly yet subtly aligns itself with the great stories of our time.
From Salon ● Jul. 24, 2026
The parents of a university student who died from meningitis B say new vaccine advice represents a "poignant moment" and will save countless lives.
From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026
That felt really poignant and powerful to me.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
A recent thrift store find has enraptured me and given me insight into the history of America, which feels especially poignant and overlooked as we approach the 250th anniversary of this bizarre, wonderful, terrible country.
From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2026
Mozart left us far more poignant and permanent keepsakes of his existence than his bones: he left us his extraordinary music.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
