poignant
Americanadjective
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sharply distressing or painful to the feelings
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to the point; cutting or piercing
poignant wit
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keen or pertinent in mental appeal
a poignant subject
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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
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 7
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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.
Ultimately, reaching the Mesolithic Period has obviously become the highlight of the excavation and something that's particularly poignant to myself.
From Science Daily • May 20, 2026
Even the famous concluding quintet, “To leave, to break,” a bitter dissection of love, was noisy rather than poignant or profound.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026
The night at the Royal Albert Hall concluded with a highlight montage from Sir David's career, soundtracked by his own delivery of the poignant lyrics to What A Wonderful World.
From BBC • May 8, 2026
At the center of that impulse is the arch, which will destroy a poignant visual reminder of Kennedy, who is perhaps more symbolic of that consensus than any other American.
From Salon • May 7, 2026
Mademoiselle had glided from the Chopin into the quivering love notes of Isolde’s song, and back again to the Impromptu with its soulful and poignant longing.
From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin
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.
