Meaning & Definition of word "Punctual"

Punctual

/ˈpʌŋk.tʃu.əl/

adjective:

  • 1. Arriving or doing something at the expected or scheduled time.
    • Example: She is always punctual for her meetings.
  • 2. Reliable in keeping to a schedule or timetable.
    • Example: Being punctual is a key trait of a good employee.
  • 3. Occurring at a specific point in time, especially at the exact moment or deadline.
    • Example: The bus was punctually at the station at 8 AM.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin punctualis, from punctum ‘point’.

Common Phrases and Expressions

better late than never:

It's better to arrive late than not at all.

fashionably late:

Arriving later than expected, usually as a trend.

right on the dot:

Exactly at the specified time.

Related Words

punctuality:

The quality of being punctual.

punctuate:

To insert marks in writing (as in punctuation).

punctualness:

The state of being punctual.

Slang Meanings of punctual

Meaning: To be on the ball

Example Sentence: She’s always on the ball when it comes to meeting deadlines.

Meaning: Time conscious

Example Sentence: He's really time conscious; you'll never see him late.