punctuality

[puhngk-choo-al-i-tee]

See more synonyms for punctuality on Thesaurus.com

noun

the quality or state of being punctual.
strict observance in keeping engagements; promptness.

Origin of punctuality

First recorded in 1610–20; punctual + -ity

Related formsun·punc·tu·al·i·ty, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for punctuality

preparation, promptness, steadiness

Examples from the Web for punctuality

Contemporary Examples of punctuality

Over the summer, he impressed current NBA players with his love for hard work and, oddly enough, with his punctuality.
Shaq, Year One
Charles P. Pierce
May 24, 2014
Courtesy, kindness, and punctuality: the old Trot was adept at all the old bourgeois virtues.
Christopher Hitchens: A Young Contrarian Salutes Him
Max McGuinness
December 18, 2011

Historical Examples of punctuality

A proper consideration of the value of time, will also inspire habits of punctuality.
Self-Help
Samuel Smiles
Obedience, neatness, punctuality do not thrive in such an atmosphere.
The Negro Farmer
Carl Kelsey
"Charmed to find you know the merit of punctuality," said he.
A Day's Ride
Charles James Lever
Punctuality, cleanliness, and order are the soldier's three graces.
Masterpieces of Negro Eloquence
Various
If there was any merit in the sketch, it must be owing to its punctuality.
The Natural History of Selborne, Vol. 1
Gilbert White

Word Origin and History for punctuality

n.

"exactness," 1610s; see punctual + -ity. Meaning "promptness" is from 1777.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper