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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

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

Opotowsky was involved in both challenges — particularly the second, for which he served as the Press-Enterprise’s point man, Bernstein said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2024

It was Unguryan, The Family’s point man, who can be seen on the far left in a government photo of the participants.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2024

At this point, man, I’m so pissed and confused I’m not even pissed and confused anymore.

From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña