focal point
Americannoun
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Also called principal focus. Optics. either of two points on the axis of a mirror, lens, or other optical system, one point being such that rays diverging from it are deviated parallel to the axis upon refraction or reflection by the system and the other point being such that rays parallel to the axis of the system converge to the point upon refraction or reflection by the system.
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the point at which all elements or aspects converge; center of activity or attention.
The focal point of our discussion was the need for action.
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the central or principal point of focus.
noun
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Also called: principal focus. focus. the point on the axis of a lens or mirror to which parallel rays of light converge or from which they appear to diverge after refraction or reflection
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a central point of attention or interest
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The point at which all radiation coming from a single direction and passing through a lens or striking a mirror converges.
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Also called focus
Etymology
Origin of focal point
First recorded in 1705–15
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.
In the Political Thinking interview, Streeting was also asked about his position on Brexit, which was a focal point of a speech he gave last weekend.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
Earlier, she told Xi that the Taiwan Strait would "no longer be a focal point of potential conflict" and "both sides should transcend political confrontation".
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
The negotiations remain a focal point for policymakers and economists, setting the benchmark for nonunionized smaller businesses, which employ the vast majority of Japan’s workforce.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026
The piñata functions as a focal point into the scene as a whole, and alludes to one of the biggest gathering cultures in L.A., a very joyous scene of celebration.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026
On the eve of World War II, Hampton was one of the leading Negro colleges in the country and the focal point of the black community’s participation in the conflict.
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
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.
