punctuality

UK: /ˌpʌŋktʃʊˈælɪti/

US: /ˌpʌŋktʃuˈælɪti/

US: (pungk′cho̅o̅ al′i tē)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

punc•tu•al•i•ty  (pungk′cho̅o̅ al′i tē), n. 

1. the quality or state of being punctual.
2. strict observance in keeping engagements;
   promptness.

• punctual + -ity 1610–20

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

punc•tu•al /ˈpʌŋktʃuəl/   adj. 

1. being on time; prompt:
   He was always punctual for meetings.

punc•tu•al•i•ty /ˌpʌŋktʃuˈælɪti/  n. [uncountable]
punc•tu•al•ly, adv. See -punct-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

punc•tu•al  (pungk′cho̅o̅ əl), adj. 

1. strictly observant of an appointed or regular time;
   not late;
   prompt.
2. made, occurring, etc., at the scheduled or proper time:
   punctual payment.
3. pertaining to or of the nature of a point.
4. punctilious.

• Medieval Latin pūnctuālis of a point, equivalent. to Latin pūnctu(s) a point, a pricking (pung(ere) to prick + -tus suffix of verb, verbal action) + -ālis -al¹; see pungent
• Middle English 1350–1400

punc′tu•al•ly, adv. 
punc′tu•al•ness, n.