Target is something you aim at or work toward. In archery, a target is the circular board with rings that you try to hit with your arrow. The bullseye in the center is worth the most points, so skilled archers focus intensely on hitting that exact spot.

The word extends beyond physical aiming. When you set a target for yourself, you're establishing a specific goal you want to reach. A student might set a target of reading twenty books this year, or a basketball player might target improving her free throw percentage to 80%. Companies set sales targets for how much they want to sell, and scientists set targets for what they want to discover.

A target can also be someone or something chosen for attention or action. If bullies make someone their target, they've singled that person out for unfair treatment. When researchers target a specific disease, they focus their efforts on finding a cure.

As a verb, to target means to aim at something or direct your efforts toward it. A quarterback targets an open receiver with the football. An advertising campaign might target teenagers interested in skateboarding.

The key idea behind all these meanings is focus and intention: you've identified something specific and you're directing your energy, attention, or aim right at it.