pointe

American  

[pwant] / pwɛ̃t /

noun

Ballet.

plural

pointes

1. the tip of the toe.

2. a position on the extreme tips of the toes.

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idioms

1. on / en pointe, supporting one’s body weight on the extreme tips of the toes: null onen pointes

   dancing on pointe.

pointe British  

/ pɔɪnt /

noun

1. ballet the tip of the toe (esp in the phrase on pointes )

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Etymology

Origin of pointe

1820–30; < French: pointe ( du pied ) “tiptoe,” literally, “extremity of the foot”

Example Sentences

The women’s legs and pointe work flash during solo moments and intermix with the moves of their male counterparts during intricate duets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

Increased interest has pushed Westside Ballet to add 12 more adult dance classes to its schedule, including ballet, pointe instruction, jazz, ballroom, floor barre and theater jazz.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 25, 2024

I want her to read about Ingrid Silva, the Brazilian ballerina from the Dance Theater of Harlem, who, pregnant and in pointe shoes, graced the cover of Vogue Brazil in 2020.

From Salon • Aug. 4, 2024

The answer was on her Instagram later: Her pointe shoe had slipped off.

From Seattle Times • May 23, 2024

I was totally shocked and thrilled when I was accepted into the Level 2 ballet class...the first pointe class.

From "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince