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Synonyms

point man

American  

noun

  1. the lead soldier of an infantry patrol on combat operations.

  2. a person who serves in the forefront, as of an economic or political issue.


point man British  

noun

  1. military a soldier who walks at the front of an infantry patrol in combat

  2. the leader or spokesperson of a campaign or organization

"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

Etymology

Origin of point man

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

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.

And President Donald Trump’s financial-market point man, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, is likely to do whatever it takes to prevent that scenario.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

In 2020, Lewis relinquished his longtime role as the House’s election policy point man after pleading guilty to charges related to using campaign funds for personal expenses, including rent.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2025

Witkoff, who has been the administration’s point man on negotiations with the Kremlin, helped prepare Driscoll for the talks in Kyiv, one of the officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025

Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who served as the then-president’s point man for the Middle East, voiced some ideas.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2024

Jerry Jaax was going to be the first man in, the point man.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

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