Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pointman

noun
/ˈpɔɪnt.mən/
Definition
A soldier or police officer who leads the way in a patrol or mission and is responsible for detecting any danger or threats in advance.
Examples
  • The pointman carefully navigated through the dense jungle to ensure the safety of his unit.
  • As the team’s pointman, she was tasked with spotting any potential ambushes before they reached the main group.
  • In a typical patrol, the pointman is crucial for the overall safety of the operation.
Meaning
The term refers to the first person in a group, especially in military or tactical contexts, who moves ahead to scout for risks.
Synonyms
  • lead scout
  • front man
  • trailblazer