vanishing point

noun

1
: a point at which receding parallel lines seem to meet when represented in linear perspective
2
: a point at which something disappears or ceases to exist

Illustration of vanishing point

Illustration of vanishing point
  • V vanishing point 1

Examples of vanishing point in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Together the vanishing points define the viewpoint of the observer. IEEE Spectrum, 16 Apr. 2023 In his hand — a third individual gold medal in an unmatched career that isn’t over but is maybe approaching a vanishing point. Brendan Quinn, The Athletic, 2 Aug. 2024 This perception, in which lines in two-dimensional space appear to meet at a point called the vanishing point, is often used in art to portray relative distances. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 18 Oct. 2024 But that neat dichotomy between government and business has blurred to the vanishing point. Peter Georgescu, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for vanishing point

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vanishing point was in 1797

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Cite this Entry

“Vanishing point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vanishing%20point. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

vanishing point

noun
: a point at which parallel lines seem to meet (as in a drawing)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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