powerpoint

powerpoint — noun

1. a computer program sold by Microsoft that people use to design slides with text,

1.nounB1
Definition

a computer program sold by Microsoft that people use to design slides with text, images, and charts for sharing information in talks or meetings.

Example

Amani used PowerPoint to create slides for a talk about the history of Taiwan.

collocation: use + PowerPoint to create slides

Jiwoo learned how to add music and video clips in PowerPoint during computer class.

collocation: add + in PowerPoint

Common collocations
  • use PowerPoint
  • learn PowerPoint
  • open PowerPoint
  • in PowerPoint
  • PowerPoint training
  • PowerPoint template
Synonyms
  • presentation software

    generic term; PowerPoint is the most well-known brand of presentation software

  • slideware

    informal and less common; sometimes used dismissively

Grammar Patterns

PowerPoint + verb

use + PowerPoint

in + PowerPoint

Usage Note

PowerPoint is a trademark of Microsoft. The word is often capitalized, though informal writing may show it in lowercase. This sense is uncountable — you say 'I learned PowerPoint' or 'I work in PowerPoint', not 'a PowerPoint'.

Common Mistakes

I have attached a PowerPoint about sales.' (when referring to a file).
I have attached a PowerPoint file about sales.
when you mean a document file, use 'a PowerPoint' as a countable noun (sense 2) or add 'file' for clarity.

2. a file made with the PowerPoint program which contains a series of slides for sh

2.nounB1
Definition

a file made with the PowerPoint program which contains a series of slides for showing information to an audience.

Example

Meera sent me her PowerPoint on the new marketing plan, and I added notes.

collocation: send + (someone) + a PowerPoint about

Tamar saved her PowerPoint as a PDF so everyone could open it before the meeting.

collocation: save as PDF

Common collocations
  • prepare a PowerPoint
  • send a PowerPoint
  • finish a PowerPoint
  • open a PowerPoint
  • PowerPoint about/on
  • PowerPoint file
Synonyms
  • slide deck

    common in business English; slightly more formal than 'a PowerPoint'

  • presentation

    more general; can refer to the act of presenting or another format

  • slides

    informal; 'I need to finish my slides' means the same as 'I need to finish my PowerPoint'

Grammar Patterns

prepare + a PowerPoint

send + (someone) + a PowerPoint

PowerPoint + about/on + topic

Usage Note

This sense is countable — you can say 'a PowerPoint', 'two PowerPoints', or 'her PowerPoint'. It is common in office, academic, and conference contexts. The full form 'PowerPoint presentation' or 'PowerPoint file' is also frequent.

Common Mistakes

I have three PowerPoints to study for the exam.' (if referring to slide files of course content).
I have three PowerPoint files to study for the exam.
using 'file' or 'presentation' makes it clearer that you mean the document, not the software.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

All four terms can refer to a file of slides created for a talk, but they differ in formality and specificity. 'PowerPoint' (as in 'send me the PowerPoint') names the brand, so it is very common in everyday office speech but treats the file's format as the defining feature. 'Slide deck' is a business-english term that sounds more professional and is format-neutral — it could be a Keynote, Google Slides, or PowerPoint file. 'Presentation' is the broadest term; it can mean the file, the event of presenting, or the act itself. 'Slides' is the most informal and is often used among colleagues ('I need to update my slides'). In formal instructions, use 'PowerPoint file' or 'slide deck'; in casual emails, 'your PowerPoint' or 'your slides' are natural. For example: 'Could you upload your slide deck by noon?' (formal), versus 'Can you send me your PowerPoint?' (casual office request).

PowerPoint ↗slide deckpresentation ↗slides

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • know how to use PowerPoint
  • create a PowerPoint

Prepositions

  • in PowerPoint
  • with PowerPoint
  • about/on

Etymology

EnglishEnglish

PowerPoint was originally created in 1987 by the company Forethought, Inc. under the name 'Presenter'. Microsoft bought Forethought later that year and renamed the product 'PowerPoint'. The name combines 'power' (meaning strong or effective) and 'point' (meaning a key idea or argument), suggesting a tool that helps users deliver powerful points during a presentation.