Skip to the word

Added 10 October 2026

point-blank

adjective

adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. More about point-blank at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion.
blunt talking and straight shooting
Close enough to go straight to the target.
point-blank range

adverb

In a direct and unequivocal manner.
I asked him point-blank whether he wanted the job

Origin

From French point blanc (“white point”), originally referring to the white spot to be aimed at on a target (see blank's "bull's eye") or alternatively into empty space being fired horizontally.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Back to today's word