DictionaryAI

poignant

adjective
POY-nyuhnt/ˈpɔɪnjənt/

5 meanings of poignant

Practice

  1. 1
    deeply movingadjective
    Touching your feelings so strongly that it almost hurts.

    The old photos of her dog were a poignant reminder of happy days.

    It was a poignant moment when the soldiers hugged their families at the airport.

    UsageSay a poignant memory or a poignant moment.

    Similarmoving, distressing

    Note
  2. 2
    adjective
    Of a remark, question, or look: sharp, clear, and exactly to the point.

    Similarpointed, incisive, penetrating, sharp

  3. 3
    adjectivearchaicfiguratively
    Having a strong, sharp smell or taste.

    Similarpungent, sharp, acrid

    Oppositemild, bland

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    adjectivedatedBritish
    Causing a sharp pain in the body.

    Similarsharp, stabbing, acute

    Oppositedull

    Note
  2. 5
    adjectiveobsolete
    Very sharp at the point, like a spear or a sword.
    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of poignant apart? Answer 2 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From an old French word meaning "pricking", which comes from the Latin word for "prick". It shares its source with pungent.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts