waypoint
WAY-poynt
/ˈweɪpɔɪnt/
A stopping place or intermediate point on a journey or line of travel.
In digital navigation (GPS), it is a specific set of coordinates saved for future reference.
The story behind the word. A relatively modern compound word, combining 'way' (path) and 'point' (location). It gained popularity with the rise of aviation and later GPS technology.
Word relationships
- landmark: A landmark is a physical object; a waypoint is a specific coordinate or point on a route.
- checkpoint: A checkpoint usually involves an inspection or a requirement to stop; a waypoint is just a reference point.
Commonly confused with
- destination: A destination is where you end; a waypoint is a point you pass through on the way.
Collocations
- set a waypoint
- GPS waypoint
- intermediate waypoint
Example sentences
- "The rover reached its first waypoint on Mars and began collecting soil samples." Space exploration
- "We marked the waterfall as a waypoint so we could find it again on the way back." Hiking
Memory hook
A 'Point' on the 'Way'. Point on the path.
When not to use
Do not use for a final destination; it is specifically an 'intermediate' point.
Fun facts
- Pilots use waypoints with names like 'COWBY' or 'ORBIT' to navigate through invisible 'highways' in the sky.
Related words
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