point man

noun

1. the lead soldier of an infantry patrol on combat operations.
2. a person who serves in the forefront, as of an economic or political issue.

point man

noun

1. military a soldier who walks at the front of an infantry patrol in combat
2. the leader or spokesperson of a campaign or organization

Word History and Origins

Origin of point man¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

It was Unguryan, The Family’s point man, who can be seen on the far left in a government photo of the participants.

From Salon

Millions regarded Fauci, with his raspy voice and plainspoken style, as the government’s trusted point man during the heights of the pandemic.

From Seattle Times

Also there was The Family’s point man in Uganda, a key player in that country’s annual prayer breakfast who supports the parliamentary prayer group behind the new death-penalty law.

From Salon

Mr. Araji, who is the Iraqi government’s point man on a number of sensitive issues related to Iran, has a long history of working closely with Tehran and is rarely publicly critical.

From New York Times

He still charged the point man, spun, slid and kicked his way to a clear and a change.

From Seattle Times