parenthesis

noun

pa·​ren·​the·​sis pə-ˈren(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce parenthesis (audio)
plural parentheses pə-ˈren(t)-thə-ˌsēz How to pronounce parenthesis (audio)
1
a
: an amplifying (see amplify sense 1) or explanatory word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage from which it is usually set off by punctuation
explained further in a parenthesis
b
: a remark or passage that departs from the theme of a discourse : digression
The speaker inserted some often amusing parentheses during his speech.
2
: interlude, interval
The parenthesis of war interrupted the course of his life.
3
: one or both of the curved marks ( ) used in writing and printing to enclose a parenthetical expression or to group a symbolic unit in a logical or mathematical expression
The plant's common name is followed by its Latin name in parentheses.

Examples of parenthesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As Super Bowl 58, which will be the first ever staged in Las Vegas, approaches, here are my all-time Super Sunday game rankings (cardinal number, season noted in parentheses): 1. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 The number in parentheses is what percentage of ballots the candidate was on last year. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2024 Here are the rankings: Girls statewide poll First-place votes in parentheses; records through Monday’s games Rank-school (FPV) Record Pts LW 1. The Courier-Journal, 31 Jan. 2024 Ohio hoops poll:Purcell remains atop DII girls poll; 9 other Southwest Ohio teams ranked in AP polls Boys statewide poll First-place votes in parentheses; records through Tuesday, Jan. 30 Rank-school Record Pts LW 1. Brendan Connelly, The Enquirer, 31 Jan. 2024 Which teams now have the best chance to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the end of the NFL Playoffs? Check out our NFL power rankings heading into the conference championship games, with each team's ranking before the Divisional Round in parenthesis. Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 22 Jan. 2024 Top 10 With records through Tuesday and previous rankings in parentheses. Gregg Voss, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2024 Top 10 With records through Monday and previous rankings in parentheses. Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2024 Typically, drug names are written with the brand name first and the generic name in parentheses. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'parenthesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, literally, act of inserting, from parentithenai to insert, from para- + en- en- + tithenai to place — more at do

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of parenthesis was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near parenthesis

Cite this Entry

“Parenthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parenthesis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

parenthesis

noun
pa·​ren·​the·​sis pə-ˈren(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce parenthesis (audio)
plural parentheses -thə-ˌsēz How to pronounce parenthesis (audio)
1
: a word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage to explain or comment on it
2
: one of a pair of marks ( ) used to enclose a parenthesis or to group units in a mathematical expression
parenthetic
ˌpar-ən-ˈthet-ik
adjective
or parenthetical
-ˈthet-i-kəl
parenthetically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on parenthesis

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