Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
pointsman

pointsman

8.8
A police officer at an intersection who directs traffic
  • noun
  • /ˈpɔɪntsˌmæn/
  • Archaic
translation icon : agente de tráfico
  • The pointsman skillfully directed cars through the busy intersection during rush hour.

Examples

  • The city relies on a pointsman to manage traffic during large public events.

  • After the lights failed, a pointsman was sent to keep traffic moving.

  • The pointsman waved his baton to stop the cars.

  • Many pointsmen were present during the parade.

  • The pointsman signaled for pedestrians to cross the street safely.

  • During the busy morning commute, the pointsman ensured that traffic flowed smoothly.

  • As the sun set, the pointsman continued to manage the rush hour traffic at the intersection.

Synonyms

traffic cop
vspointsman
  • US
6 2.4

A police officer who directs cars and people at busy intersections

is limited to an officer posted at one intersection rather than general road control
pointswoman
vspointsman
  • Archaic
9.0

A policewoman who directs traffic at an intersection

is the same title but uses a male form rather than female form

Surface Forms

pointsman singular
pointsmen plural

Morphology

pointsman = point + man (semi-transparent) = points + man

Compound of 'points' + 'man' where the parts are recognizable but the occupational meaning (person assigned to a traffic point) is specialized and may not be fully predictable for all learners.

Etymology

Pointsman comes from point ('to show a direction or place') and man ('person'). So a pointsman is the person who points traffic and shows where cars should go at an intersection.