noun

appointment

uh-POINT-munt/əˈpɔɪntmənt/

An arranged meeting at a particular time.

The visitor arrives for his appointment at the meeting table.

An older man arrives for a scheduled consultation as a middle-aged man welcomes him to a small meeting table.

Etymology

apLatinto, toward

+pointOld Frenchpoint

+mentOld Frenchact or result

The underlying phrase “to the point” led to the idea of agreeing or settling something. An appointment was an agreement or the fixing of a date, connecting it directly with an arranged meeting.

In context

BMJ Learning4:53

if I make an appointment I don't expect to be kept waiting for half an hour

Motivational interviewing in brief consultations | BMJ Learning

More examples

She scheduled a dental appointment.
He missed the appointment because of traffic.
Several appointments were available next week.

Forms

appointment · appointments

Similar words

meeting: An arranged gathering that may involve several people.
engagement: An arranged commitment at a particular time.