This is the 540th most frequent Italian word.
punta
"Tip," "point," or "peak."
In this sentence, "punta" is used to describe the pointed top of a mountain.
La punta della montagna è coperta di neve.
The mountain's peak is covered in snow.
Here, "punta" refers to the sharp end of the pencil.
Ho rotto la punta della matita.
I broke the pencil tip.
In this context, "punta" metaphorically describes the highest position in a ranking.