adj · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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Received-Pronunciation:/ˈpʌŋktjʊəl/
Received-Pronunciation:/ˈpʌŋtjʊəl/
US:/ˈpʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/
US:/ˈpʌŋt͡ʃuəl/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:P AH1 NG K CH UW0 AH0 L
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
Prompt; on time.
Of an event, happening at the appointed time.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
adj
Meaning 2
Prompt; on time.
Of a person, acting at the appointed time.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Luis is never late; he's the most punctual person I know.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adj
Meaning 3
Existing as a point or series of points.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: mathematics, sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
adj
Meaning 4
Expressing a momentary action that has no duration.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: human-sciences, linguistics, sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
adj
Meaning 5
Periodic; occasional.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: nonstandard
Examples
The management of the above mentioned feed sectors is subject to close co-operation with the Member States through [...] punctual expert groups meetings where appropriate.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
adj
Meaning 6
Observing trivial points; punctilious.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: dated
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
adjective
Meaning 7
acting or arriving or performed exactly at the time appointed
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
she expected guests to be punctual at meals
he is not a particularly punctual person
punctual payment
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: unpunctual
History
Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin pūnctuālis (“relating to a point”), from Late Latin pūnctus (“point”) + -ālis (adjective suffix).
Across languages
Translations
48 source translations are retained for this English entry.
