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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The ‘Stangs lost big to No. 4 Palmer Ridge (44-7) and No. 1 Dakota Ridge (36-7) in the first six weeks but enter November on a four-game heater punctuated by a 45-34 victory over Heritage. Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024 At age 14, my life became a state of constant exhaustion, punctuated by doctors’ visits that, months later, would lead to a Long COVID diagnosis. Alana Kaufman, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024 The singing and sermons were punctuated by calls for justice. CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024 But his tenure has also been punctuated by a number of chastening defeats and performances over the last two seasons have heaped pressure on the manager. Ben Church, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near punctuate

Cite this Entry

“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

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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