point of sale

American  

[point-uhv-seyl] / ˈpɔɪnt əvˈseɪl /

noun

points of sale plural

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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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• points of sale
  plural

Etymology

Origin of point of sale

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

“Higher than expected consumer demand for our products, as evidenced by improving point of sale and share trends, was driven by continued investment in innovation, advertising and promotional support,” said Chief Executive Chris Peterson.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

The exact seats appeared to be for sale at the same time on both Ticketmaster, the original point of sale, and Viagogo.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2025

Education campaigns such as community workshops and public health initiatives, and point of sale posters that explain the purpose and interpretation of front-of-package labels, can empower consumers to make informed decisions.

From Salon • Feb. 3, 2025

“This easy change eliminates plastic bags from the point of sale and helps California significantly reduce the plastic waste that is contaminating our environment and waters.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2024

Several people had admired the case, and it had been on the point of sale several times.

From The Crimson Blind by White, Fred M. (Fred Merrick)