Definition of the word bullet point

The term "bullet point" is commonly used in presentations, documents, and lists to convey a concise, easy-to-understand summary of key information. The origins of this expressive phrase can be traced back to the early days of typewriters and printing technologies when bullets, typical to military communications, were used as typographical markers for lists or important details. Initially popularized by the U.S. Government Printing Office in the 1880s, these "bullet points" were designated as small, raised circles printed around our words that indicated significant or essential messages. The practice quickly gained traction in the business world, and by the 1970s, the use of bullets in printed documents had become standard. As technology advanced, it became possible to include bullet points in word processors such as Microsoft Word, emerging as a recognizable feature that has since become widely adopted in digital content creation. Today, bullet points remain a popular and effective tool for enhancing the accessibility and clarity of information, particularly in work-related settings where concision is essential.