mark

noun (1)

\ ˈmärk

Definition of mark

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : a boundary land

2a(1) : a conspicuous object serving as a guide for travelers

(2) : something (such as a line, notch, or fixed object) designed to record position

b : one of the bits of leather or colored bunting placed on a sounding line at intervals

c : target

d : the starting line or position in a track event

e(1) : goal, object

(2) : an object of attack, ridicule, or abuse specifically : a victim or prospective victim of a swindle

(3) : the point under discussion

(4) : condition of being correct or accurate her observations are on the mark

f : a standard of performance, quality, or condition : norm not feeling up to the mark lately

3a(1) : sign, indication a mark of his esteem

(2) : an impression (such as a scratch, scar, or stain) made on something

(3) : a distinguishing trait or quality : characteristic the marks of an educated person

b : a symbol used for identification or indication of ownership

c : a cross made in place of a signature

d(1) : trademark

(2) capitalized —used with a numeral to designate a particular model of a product Mark II

e : a written or printed symbol (such as a comma or colon)

f : postmark

g : a symbol used to represent a teacher's estimate of a student's work or conduct especially : grade

h : a figure registering a point or level reached or achieved the halfway mark in the game especially : record

4a : attention, notice nothing worthy of mark

b : importance, distinction a person of mark

c : a lasting or strong impression

d : an assessment of merits : rating high marks for honesty

mark

verb

marked; marking; marks

Definition of mark (Entry 2 of 4)

transitive verb

1a(1) : to fix or trace out the bounds or limits of

(2) : to plot the course of : chart

b : to set apart by or as if by a line or boundary —usually used with off

2a(1) : to designate as if by a mark

(2) : to make or leave a mark on

(3) : to furnish with natural marks wings marked with white

(4) : to label so as to indicate price or quality

(5) : to make notations in or on

b(1) : to make note of in writing : jot marking the date in his journal

(2) : to indicate by a mark or symbol mark an accent

(3) : register, record

(4) : to determine the value of by means of marks or symbols : grade mark term papers

c(1) : characterize, distinguish the flamboyance that marks her style

(2) : signalize this year marks our 50th anniversary

3 : to take notice of : observe mark my words

4 : to pick up (one's golf ball) from a putting green and substitute a marker

intransitive verb

: to take careful notice

mark time

1 : to keep the time of a marching step by moving the feet alternately without advancing

2 : to maintain a static state of readiness

mark

noun (2)

Definition of mark (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : any of various old European units of weight used especially for gold and silver especially : a unit equal to about eight ounces (248 grams)

2 : a unit of value:

a : an old English unit equal to 13s 4d

b : any one of various old Scandinavian or German units of value specifically : a unit and corresponding silver coin of the 16th century worth ¹/₂ thaler

c(1) : deutsche mark

(2) : the basic monetary unit of East Germany replaced in 1990 by the West German deutsche mark

d : markka

Mark

noun (3)

\ ˈmärk

Definition of Mark (Entry 4 of 4)

1a : an early Jewish Christian traditionally identified as the writer of the Gospel of Mark

— called also John Mark

b : the second Gospel (see gospel entry 1 sense 1) in the New Testament — see Bible Table

2 : a king of Cornwall, uncle of Tristram, and husband of Isolde

Other Words from mark Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about mark

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Choose the Right Synonym for mark

Noun (1)

sign, mark, token, note, symptom mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible. sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason. encouraging signs for the economy mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance. a mark of a good upbringing token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible. this gift is a token of our esteem note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic. a note of irony in her writing symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition. rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Examples of mark in a Sentence

Verb

Any little bit of dirt will mark that fabric. Be careful not to mark the floor with your shoes. mark an accent on a letter She marked an “X” on each box. I have marked the event on my calendar. She marked each box with an “X.” X marks the spot where the suspect was last seen. Use a bookmark to mark your place. We put some tape on the floor to mark where the tables should go. The dog marked the base of the tree by urinating.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The couple is also responsible for their own food, clothing, entertainment and bedding, and though there's a resupply trip at the three-month mark, they will be otherwise cut off from the mainland during this period. — Katherine Lagrave, Condé Nast Traveler, "Volunteers Wanted: Spend 6 Months in Charge of a Remote Tasmanian Island," 18 Jan. 2017 Texans are feeling the bite of winter this weekend with some places not even reaching the freezing mark. — Brett Barrouquere, Houston Chronicle, "Yeah, it's cold, for the moment," 7 Jan. 2017 The Dow Jones industrial average traded within 1 point of the record 20,000 mark. — Ana Swanson, Washington Post, "U.S. added 156,000 jobs in December; wage growth picked up," 6 Jan. 2017 In Lombardi’s nine seasons in Green Bay, the Packers won five NFL titles, including the first two Super Bowls, and posted an 89-29-4 mark. — Honolulu Star-Advertiser, "Giants-Packers playoffs lore is more than red-faced Coughlin," 5 Jan. 2017 This has made its mark, with only 65 percent of millennials owning such cards, compared to 83 percent of baby boomers and 78 percent of generation Xers. — Houston Chronicle, "Debit Card Usage Increasing," 29 Dec. 2016

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Fifty Years Ago Church of the Lighted Window marked its 70th birthday on April 9, 1967. — Carol Cormaci, La Cañada Valley Sun, "La Cañada History: Paradise Canyon student repeats big win at county spelling bee," 4 Apr. 2017 Officially, this national holiday marks the anniversary of the First Fleet of British settlers arriving in New South Wales in 1788. — Mark Ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, "Celebrate Australia Day 2017 With Chris Hemsworth," 26 Jan. 2017 The fundraising gala was the opening event for the 75th Commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attack and marked the 10th anniversary for the Pacific Aviation Museum. — Honolulu Star-Advertiser - Hawaii's News Leader, "Island Images: December 2016," 26 Dec. 2016 The first Friday of the month marks the first formal day of operation for Bar Elixrs, Chinatown’s newest watering hole. — Star-advertiser Staff, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, "Bar Elixrs enters Chinatown scene," 29 Nov. 2016 But in naming Hussein crown prince early, Abdullah had hoped to avoid the confusion and anxiety in the kingdom that marked his father’s last days. — Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic, "The Modern King in the Arab Spring," 19 Feb. 2014

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

First Known Use of mark

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for mark

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English mearc boundary, march, sign; akin to Old High German marha boundary, Latin margo

Verb

Middle English, from Old English mearcian; akin to Old High German marcōn to mark, determine the boundaries of, Old English mearc boundary

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Old English marc, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse mǫrk mark; akin to Old English mearc sign

Noun (3)

Latin Marcus

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Time Traveler for mark

The first known use of mark was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for mark

mark

verb

English Language Learners Definition of mark

: to make or leave a visible mark on (something)

: to write or make (a mark)

: to write a note about (something)

mark

noun

\ ˈmärk

Kids Definition of mark

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a blemish (as a scratch or stain) made on a surface There were tire marks on the lawn.

2 : a written or printed symbol a punctuation mark

3 : something that shows that something else exists : sign, indication They traded T-shirts as a mark of friendship.

4 : something aimed at : target … he missed his mark and delivered a good clout to Mig's nose instead.— Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux

5 : a grade or score showing the quality of work or conduct He gets good marks in school.

6 : something designed or serving to record position high-water mark

7 : the starting line of a race

mark

verb

marked; marking

Kids Definition of mark (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to indicate a location He marked his place in the book.

2 : to set apart by a line or boundary We tried to mark off a baseball diamond.

3 : to make a shape, symbol, or word on I'll mark the top with a cross.

4 : to decide and show the value or quality of : grade Teachers mark tests.

5 : to be an important characteristic of The disease is marked by fever.

6 : to take notice of You'll be sorry, mark my words.

mark

noun

\ ˈmärk

Medical Definition of mark

1 : a narrow deep hollow on the surface of the crown of a horse's incisor tooth that gradually becomes obliterated by the wearing away of the crown and therefore is indicative of the animal's age and usually disappears from the lower central incisors about the sixth year while traces may remain in the upper until the eleventh

2 : an impression or trace made or occurring on something — see birthmark, strawberry mark

3 : a cut (as an ear notch) made on livestock for identification

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mark

noun

Legal Definition of mark

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a character usually in the form of a cross or X that is made as a substitute for a signature by a person who cannot write his or her name

2 : a character, device, label, brand, seal, or other sign put on an article or used in connection with a service especially to show the maker or owner, to certify quality, or for identification:

a : trademark

b : service mark