pinpoint

[ pin-point ]

See synonyms for pinpoint on Thesaurus.com

noun

the point of a pin.
a trifle; pinhead.

a tiny spot or sharp point.

verb (used with object)

to locate or describe exactly or precisely: to pinpoint the problem.

adjective

exact; precise: pinpoint accuracy.

Origin of pinpoint

First recorded in 1840–50; pin + point

Other words for pinpoint

3	spot, localize, identify, define

See synonyms for pinpoint on Thesaurus.com

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use pinpoint in a sentence

Unfortunately, neither of our teams had pinpointed the pig's burial site.
Knowing Where the Bodies Are Buried: An Excerpt From 'Lives in Ruins' | Marilyn Johnson | November 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
French media have trotted out specialists to explain the phenomenon and have generally pinpointed its origins abroad.
French Freak-Out Over Creepy Clowns | Tracy McNicoll | October 31, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
“In the past, we said they are [physical] places,” Sánchez explained, as if they could be pinpointed on a map of the cosmos.
Vatican Science on Christmas and Creationism | Christopher Dickey | December 22, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Instead, he believes that the McCanns were pinpointed the moment they arrived at the holiday resort.
New Report Finds Madeleine McCann Could Be Alive—And Living as Someone Else’s Daughter | Barbie Latza Nadeau | July 6, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Now, in the first study of its kind, neuroscientists have pinpointed the brain circuits that underlie unrealistic optimism.
Are Optimists Dumber? | Sharon Begley | October 9, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST

Any ship coming within a hundred miles of the laboratory would be detected instantly and pinpointed.
Empire | Clifford Donald Simak
That is why I say I pinpointed that transfer on that boy as far as that is concerned.
Warren Commission (2 of 26): Hearings Vol. II (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
It tracked; pinpointed the subject accurately up to twenty thousand miles.
Zero Data | Charles Saphro
Hawkes tried to slide around the corner without being seen, but a flashlight in the young man's hands pinpointed him.
Pursuit | Lester del Rey
And give me the location of the place you pinpointed with Mr. Yelchek.
Warren Commission (9 of 26): Hearings Vol. IX (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

British Dictionary definitions for pinpoint

pinpoint

/ (ˈpɪnˌpɔɪnt) /

verb(tr)

to locate or identify exactly: to pinpoint a problem; to pinpoint a place on a map

noun

an insignificant or trifling thing
the point of a pin

(modifier) exact: a pinpoint aim

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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