Word Finder

POINT

p-o-i-n-t

Multiple meanings
Noun
Intermediate Level
5 Letters

Quick Definition

POINT has many meanings: a sharp tip, a specific location, a purpose, or a unit of scoring. Ironically, in Scrabble, POINT earns you 7 points!

Scrabble Points

7

Points in Scrabble

Base tile values • No multipliers applied

Definition & Meaning

POINT is one of the most versatile words in English, with over 20 different meanings. From the sharp end of an object to a moment in time, from a purpose to a geographic location, POINT appears in countless contexts.

Primary Meanings:

  • Sharp tip: The tapered end of an object (pencil point)
  • Location: A specific place or position in space
  • Purpose: The main idea or reason ("What's your point?")
  • Score unit: A unit of counting in games or tests
  • Moment: A particular instant in time
  • Direction: To indicate or show (point the way)

Etymology & Origin

POINT comes from Old French "point" (dot, mark, place), from Latin "punctum" (a prick, puncture), past participle of "pungere" (to prick, pierce). The same Latin root gives us puncture, punctual, and pungent.

Evolution of Meanings

1200s"Dot or mark" - the original meaning in English
1300sExtended to mean "sharp end" of objects
1400s"Purpose or meaning" sense develops
1600s"Unit of score" in games and sports
1700sGeographic "point" (headland) usage

POINT in Different Fields

Sports & Games

🏀

Basketball

2 or 3 points per basket

🎾

Tennis

15, 30, 40, game points

🎯

Darts

1-20 points per segment

Geography & Navigation

Cardinal Points

N, S, E, W compass directions

Point Reyes

California headland

Decimal Point

Separates whole from fraction

Did You Know?

The phrase "point blank" comes from archery - the white (blanc) center point of a target

POINT appears in over 100 common English phrases: "point of view," "turning point," "point taken"

In typography, a point is 1/72 of an inch - that's why we have 12-point fonts!

Usage Examples

"I scored points by playing POINT - the irony wasn't lost on anyone at the table!"

"POINT cleared my rack nicely - that P is always tricky to play efficiently."

In context: "She made a good point about the need for better documentation."

Word game tip: "POINT + S = POINTS for an easy 6-letter extension!"

Similar Words

Words by Point Value

Similar length and difficulty words

PUZZLE
26 pts
QUARTZ
24 pts
WIZARD
19 pts
FROZEN
18 pts
SPHINX
18 pts
GALAXY
17 pts
JUMPER
17 pts
EXOTIC
15 pts

Letter Analysis

Letter Distribution

P (3 pts)
1x 🎯
O (1 pts)
1x
I (1 pts)
1x
N (1 pts)
1x
T (1 pts)
1x

Total base points: 7 (Scrabble)

Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 3

Letter Patterns

Pattern:C-V-V-C-C
High-value tile:P (3pts)
Common tiles:O, I, N, T (1pt each)

Strategic Value

P-clearing
Common word

POINT helps clear the sometimes-difficult P while using only common tiles. Perfect for maintaining rack balance.

Word Game Strategy

Maximizing POINT Points

1

Common Word Advantage

POINT is familiar to all players, making it less likely to be challenged. Use this confidence to play it in tight spots.

2

Extension Paradise

POINT → POINTS, POINTY, POINTED, POINTER, POINTING. Multiple extension paths keep future options open.

3

Front Hook Potential

APOINT is valid! This rare front hook can catch opponents off guard for big scores.

Anagrams of POINT

POINT has one valid anagram in Scrabble:

PITON

A metal spike used in mountain climbing

7 points

Shorter words from POINT letters:

PINT (6pts)
INTO (4pts)
PION (6pts)
TOP (5pts)
TIP (5pts)
POT (5pts)
PIT (5pts)
PIN (5pts)
NOT (3pts)
NIT (3pts)
ION (3pts)
OPT (5pts)

Master This Word

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