Waypoint
WAY-poynt
/ˈweɪ.pɔɪnt/
A stopping, reference, or intermediate point along a planned travel route.
Implies a specific geographic coordinate or landmark set along a path to break up a journey or ensure correct routing.
The story behind the word. A modern compound created by aviation and maritime navigators in the 20th century, combining 'way' (path) and 'point' (spatial position) to designate predefined latitude-longitude coordinates.
Word relationships
- stopover: Stopover emphasizes remaining in a location to rest, while waypoint emphasizes geographical reference along a route.
- check-point: Checkpoint usually implies an official security or inspection barrier, unlike an optional or spatial waypoint.
- destination: Destination is the final endpoint of a journey, whereas a waypoint is an intermediate step.
Commonly confused with
- landmark: A landmark is a prominent physical object, whereas a waypoint is a navigation marker or coordinate along a path.
Collocations
- intermediate waypoint
- set a waypoint
- waypoint coordinates
- navigation waypoint
Example sentences
- "Enter each waypoint into the navigation system to ensure you hit all scenic stops." GPS navigation user guide
- "The mountain lodge served as a comfortable waypoint midway through our cross-country road trip." Travel narrative
Memory hook
A POINT on your WAY. Marker on a route.
When not to use
Do not use to describe the ultimate final destination of a journey.
Fun facts
- In aviation, waypoints are often given 5-letter names that sound like words, such as 'COBBL' or 'ITAAP'.
Related words
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