punctuate

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
punctuated; punctuating

transitive verb

1
: to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks
2
: to break into or interrupt at intervals
the steady click of her needles punctuated the silenceEdith Wharton
3

intransitive verb

: to use punctuation marks
punctuator noun

Examples of punctuate in a Sentence

Do you know how to punctuate a sentence correctly? punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table
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.
From minimalist gold styles to louder ones punctuated by pearls and diamonds, even the pickiest of fashion insiders can find a pair of huggie earrings that not only complements but enhances their favorite ‘fit. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025 From lost season to lockdown closer, an outrageous development punctuated by Sasaki breezing through three perfect innings in Game 4 of the NLDS. Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 With the country music landscape now punctuated by a generation of young songwriters laying bare personal trauma and intense heartache, Whitcomb wanted his first full-length to capture his life so far, darkness be damned. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025 The Aces success punctuates how sports have arrived in Vegas, with the Stanley Cup-winning success of the Golden Knights and imminent arrival of Major League Baseball’s Athletics. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for punctuate

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point

First Known Use

circa 1766, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of punctuate was circa 1766

Cite this Entry

“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

punctuate

verb
punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
punctuated; punctuating
1
: to mark or divide with punctuation marks
2
: to interrupt at intervals
a speech punctuated by a harsh cough

More from Merriam-Webster on punctuate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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