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
Once more, Becerra was the focal point of attacks, befitting his newfound status as the candidate to beat.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
The white peak of the Chimborazo rhymes with the white of a waterfall in the foreground, which serves as the focal point of the composition.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
Earnings season has also become a focal point, as quarterly results dominate headlines and investors tend to make trading decisions based on short-term news.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026
The focal point of this letter is to thank you for the photo session with the photographer and obtain information from you how I can obtain a good amount of photos.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
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.
