WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
poign•ant /ˈpɔɪnyənt, ˈpɔɪnənt/USA pronunciation
adj.
poign•ant•ly, adv.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- sharply distressing to the feelings;
causing sadness. - affecting the emotions:a poignant scene in the movie.
poign•ant•ly, adv.
poign•ant
(poin′yənt, poi′nənt),USA pronunciation adj.
poign′ant•ly, adv.
- keenly distressing to the feelings:poignant regret.
- keen or strong in mental appeal:a subject of poignant interest.
- affecting or moving the emotions:a poignant scene.
- pungent to the smell:poignant cooking odors.
- Latin pungere to prick, pierce. See pungent, -ant
- Middle French poignant, present participle of poindre
- Middle English poynaunt 1350–1400
- 1. intense, sincere, heartfelt. 4. piquant, sharp.
- 1. 2. mild.
'poignantly' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):