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Definition of pointe

pointe

/pwɑːnt/
pointe
Plural:pointes
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pointe Lexical Profile

pointe Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

In classical ballet, the extreme tip of the toe, or the technique and position of dancing on the tips of the toes using specially reinforced satin shoes.

Example

"After years of strengthening her ankles and feet, the young ballerina was finally ready to begin training in pointe."

Word Nuance & Usage

Used strictly in the context of classical ballet, often in the borrowed French phrase 'en pointe' (meaning on the tips of the toes); do not confuse it with the general English word 'point'.

• Rhymes for pointe

• Nearby Words

poignantly
poinsettia
point
pointe
pointed
pointed gourd
pointedly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 19th century from French 'pointe' (meaning 'point' or 'tip'), ultimately from Late Latin 'puncta', a feminine past participle of Latin 'pungere' ('to prick' or 'to pierce').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pointe. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pointe
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