punctuation

noun

punc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌpəŋk-chə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: the act of punctuating : the state of being punctuated

2

: the act or practice of inserting standardized marks or signs in written matter to clarify the meaning and separate structural units

also : a system of punctuation

3

: something that contrasts or accentuates

Examples of punctuation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet, voting and logistics aside, Botto’s creators claim that human involvement in Botto’s processes is limited to copyediting the AI’s auction listings for typos and punctuation. —Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026

Cookies are the perfect punctuation for any dessert spread. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

Most of the amendments were punctuation issues, formatting changes or edits made for clarity, but others were factual corrections. —Silas Allen, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026

The meme’s brackets and asterisks—never has punctuation been so eloquent—seemed to step in where words failed. —Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing punctuation

• punctuation mark

Rhymes for punctuation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

punctuation

noun

punc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-ˈwā-shən 

: the act, practice, or system of inserting punctuation marks in written matter to make the meaning clear and separate parts (as clauses or sentences)