focal point

noun

Synonyms of focal pointnext
1
: focus sense 4a
2
: focus sense 1a

Examples of focal point in a Sentence

This port was the focal point of trade two centuries ago.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Similar housing protests have sprung up in Portugal’s largest cities, Lisbon and Porto, and in Barcelona, a focal point of Spain’s overtourism and housing challenges. — Teresa Medrano, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 Major housing protests also have taken place in Barcelona, a focal point of Spain’s overtourism and housing challenges. — Teresa Medrano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Califia Carlisle’s story, chronicled in The Sacramento Bee, was the focal point of Tuesday night’s City Council meeting about behavioral health. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Like Ross, Demie also wanted her dress to be the focal point for the Academy Museum Gala. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for focal point

Word History

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of focal point was in 1692

Rhymes for focal point

See All Rhymes for focal point

Browse Nearby Words

focal-plane shutter
focal point
focal ratio
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Focal point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focal%20point. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

focal point

noun
: focus entry 1 sense 1

Medical Definition

focal point

noun
: focus sense 1a

More from Merriam-Webster on focal point

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for focal point

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about focal point

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