hyphenated

adjective

hy·​phen·​at·​ed ˈhī-fə-ˌnā-təd How to pronounce hyphenated (audio)
: of, relating to, or being an individual or unit of mixed or diverse background or composition
hyphenated Americans

Examples of hyphenated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But other social media users, and X's own fact-checking service, pointed out that Beyoncé never dropped her maiden name after getting married and only occasionally uses a hyphenated surname. Shannon Power, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 Notes From a Trap Feminist and the multi-hyphenated creators from the Up and Coming Legendary Children Podcast to hear their thoughts on this topic and provide expert insight and advice. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 19 Dec. 2022 Early clues certainly pointed to a few tell-tale signs, most notably Flatley’s multi-hyphenated credits (much like Wiseau’s). Alex Ritman, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Aug. 2022 The multi-hyphenated personality first joined the DWTS pro team in 2007 and left in 2016. Katherine Tinsley, Good Housekeeping, 23 Apr. 2022 See All Example Sentences for hyphenated

Word History

Etymology

from the use of hyphenated words (such as German-American) to designate foreign-born citizens of the U.S.

First Known Use

circa 1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyphenated was circa 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Hyphenated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyphenated. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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