hyphenate

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verb hy·phen·ate \ ˈhī-fə-ˌnāt \

Definition of hyphenate

hyphenated; hyphenating

transitive verb

:to connect (words) or divide (a word, such as a word at the end of a line of print) with a hyphen

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hyphenation

play \ˌhī-fə-ˈnā-shən\ noun

See hyphenate defined for English-language learners

See hyphenate defined for kids

hyphenate was our Word of the Day on 04/08/2012. Hear the podcast!

Examples of hyphenate in a Sentence

In English, we hyphenate some compounds but not others.

Recent Examples of hyphenate from the Web

Whether or not to hyphenate is entirely your choice: Jane Riley, Eleanor Rose, Ann-Morgan.

— Southern Living, "Let Mama Name Your Baby in 2017," 1 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hyphenate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of hyphenate

circa 1889

hyphenate

noun

Definition of hyphenate

:a person who performs more than one function (such as a producer-director in filmmaking)

Recent Examples of hyphenate from the Web

Cordell Broadus Famous Parent: Snoop Dogg More than a pretty face, Snoop Dogg’s son Cordell Broadus is a multi-hyphenate who has been making waves as a model and designer.

— janelle okwodu, Vogue, "Here Come the Sons: Meet the Second-Generation Hip-Hop Kids Conquering Fashion," 5 July 2017
The multi-hyphenate talent, 47, filmed her performance for the two-hour Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular special in New York City on Friday, and the retired Yankees player, 41, was in the front row cheering on his girlfriend.

— karen mizoguchi, PEOPLE.com, "Alex Rodriguez Gives Jennifer Lopez Fans First Preview of Her New Song ‘Ni Tu Ni Yo’," 1 July 2017
Shot by Steven Meisel with creative direction by Fabien Baron, makeup by Pat McGrath and hair by Guido Palau, Coach’s Fall advertising marks a sophisticated turning point for Gomez and her evolution from Disney star to Hollywood multi-hyphenate.

— janelle okwodu, Vogue, "Selena Gomez and Stuart Vevers on the New Coach Campaign," 20 June 2017
Designer and multi-hyphenate Virgil Abloh has the answer: take a Bic to your head and let that beard go wild and free.

— max berlinger, GQ, "The 6 Must-See Celebrity Grooming Moves You Missed This Week," 19 June 2017
The artist, also known as multi-hyphenate Donald Glover, will be performing alongside comedian Dave Chappelle at Radio City Music Hall this August.

— adelle platon, Billboard, "Dave Chappelle & Childish Gambino to Perform Joint Show at Radio City Music Hall," 12 June 2017
Banks, who’s been one of Hollywood’s busiest multi-hyphenates as of late, will star in and co-produce the film with her husband and producing partner, Max Handelman, through their company Brownstone Productions.

— yohana desta, VanityFair.com, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi Reveals Its Secrets," 24 May 2017
Like July, Colindrez is something of a multi-hyphenate.

— vanityfair.com, VanityFair.com, "I Love Dick Breakout Roberta Colindrez Is Raising Eyebrows and Breaking Barriers," 12 May 2017
Matthews (the professional wrestler and entertainment hyphenate John Cena), were responding to a distress signal when the sniper struck.

— jeannette catsoulis, New York Times, "Review: In ‘The Wall,’ Two Trapped Soldiers and a Chatty Sniper," 11 May 2017

Did You Know?

In the early 20th century, the noun hyphenate referred to a resident or citizen of the U.S. whose recent foreign national origin caused others to question his or her patriotic loyalties - with or without there being just cause for that questioning. These hyphenates - the Irish-Americans, German-Americans, and others - were objects of suspicion. The hyphenates we're highlighting today are more often objects of admiration. Since around 1974, we've been referring to people with hyphens in their titles - producer-directors, for example, as hyphenates.