# pointing

/ˈpɔɪntɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈɔɪntɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pointing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. brickwork joints

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the mortar or cement used to fill the spaces between bricks in a wall.

For teachers: the finishing of joints in brickwork or masonry by filling them with mortar to protect against weather.

- The old house needs new pointing because the rain is getting between the bricks.
- The restoration project required specialist pointing to ensure the new mortar matched the historical lime-based composition of the original structure.

Usage: often used as an uncountable noun in construction contexts.

### 3. sculpture measurement

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a way of measuring a block of stone to help carve a statue.

For teachers: the process of measuring distances from the surface of a block of marble to guide the carving of a statue from a model.

- The sculptor used pointing to make sure the stone figure looked exactly like his clay model.
- Traditional pointing techniques allow a master carver to transfer precise dimensions from a plaster cast to a raw block of Carrara marble.

### 4. musical notation

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

marks used in church music to show which words go with which notes.

For teachers: the marks or signs used in Anglican chant to indicate how the rhythm of the text should be fitted to the music.

- The choir followed the pointing in their books to sing the psalm correctly.
- The choirmaster insisted on strict adherence to the pointing to ensure the natural speech rhythms of the liturgy were preserved during the chant.

## Examples

- She is pointing at the map on the wall.
- The tour guide spent the afternoon pointing at various historical landmarks while explaining their significance to the group.
- By pointing toward the subtle brushstrokes in the corner of the canvas, the instructor demonstrated how the artist directed the viewer's eye toward the central figure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.