point of sale

American  

[point-uhv-seyl] / ˈpɔɪnt əvˈseɪl /

noun

plural

points of sale

1. the store, dealer, or other retail outlet where an item is sold.

   from manufacturer to point of sale.

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adjective

1. designating or in use at a point of sale, cashier's desk, or checkout counter; point-of-purchase.

2. (in retailing) of or relating to a customer-checkout system that uses automated devices linked to a computer, as a terminal point-of-saleterminal that directly transmits sales data as part of a computerized system for accounting and inventory control. POS, P.O.S.

point of sale British  

noun

1.  POS.  (in retail distribution) the place at which a sale is made

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Etymology

Origin of point of sale

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

Recall notices will now be placed at the point of sale in the shops where the bottles were sold, advising customers on what to do.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025

In certain cases where debit cards are rejected, customers may need to select an option at the point of sale to enter their PIN.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

As part of the deal, Ohmio moved its headquarters from New Zealand to the Inland Empire city, establishing it as the company’s research, development, testing and designated point of sale.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2025

The labels will be mandated to appear at any point of sale, including online and in stores, and they will be required to disclose all pricing information — including introductory rates, data allowances, and speeds.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 10, 2024

As to the printing and publishing of papers, I have no objection, until it comes to the point of sale.

From Maxims and Opinions of Field-Marshal His Grace the Duke of Wellington, Selected From His Writings and Speeches During a Public Life of More Than Half a Century by Francis, George Henry