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

The performance put a punctuation on something that Williams has been building all season. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 27 June 2026

Their kids would help them with how to make texts look legitimate down to the punctuation, the abbreviations and the correct emojis. — Amy Amatangelo, Parents, 1 June 2026

His writing frequently eschewed basic grammar and punctuation. — Graham Kates, CBS News, 26 June 2026

Sitting outside at dusk, toasting s’mores on a small griddle fire while overlooking the desert plains was the perfect American road trip punctuation (particularly after a long, hot steam and sauna). — Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing punctuation

• punctuation mark

Rhymes for punctuation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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)