SKIP TO CONTENT

punctual

/ˈpʌŋ(k)tʃ(əw)əl/
/ˈpʌŋktʃuəl/
IPA guide

When someone says “Be punctual,” that means you better be there on time. Five minutes late won’t cut it.

Some people seem to follow an appointment clock instinctively. We call those types punctual. They'll check their watch when you arrive three minutes late. The word punctual originates from the Latin word punctualis, which means “a point.” To be punctual, you have to arrive at the right point in time. For your appointment. Get the point?

Definitions of punctual
  1. adjective
    acting or arriving or performed exactly at the time appointed
    “she expected guests to be punctual at meals”
    “he is not a particularly punctual person”
    punctual payment”
    synonyms:
    prompt
    according to schedule or without delay; on time
    timely
    before a time limit expires
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    unpunctual
    not punctual; after the appointed time
    behindhand
    behind schedule
    belated, late, tardy
    after the expected or usual time; delayed
    benighted, nighted
    overtaken by night or darkness
    last-minute
    just before a deadline; at the last minute
Pronunciation
US
/ˈpʌŋ(k)tʃ(əw)əl/
UK
/ˈpʌŋktʃuəl/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘punctual'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family