punctuation

noun

punc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌpəŋk-chə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: the act of punctuating : the state of being punctuated

2

: the act or practice of inserting standardized marks or signs in written matter to clarify the meaning and separate structural units

also : a system of punctuation

3

: something that contrasts or accentuates

Examples of punctuation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rev made more errors than Otter related to proper nouns (six) but was much better at capitalization and punctuation. —PCMAG, 22 Mar. 2025

The Similar-Titles Problem The most interesting problem comes with having two movies that share a title but differ slightly on punctuation. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025

Then, the pandemic hit and the lively punctuation became a signal flare in a cold, gray sea. —Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2025

As digital communication has evolved, punctuation’s job description has gotten more demanding. —Angela Haupt, Time, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing punctuation

• punctuation mark

Rhymes for punctuation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

punctuation

noun

punc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-ˈwā-shən 

: the act, practice, or system of inserting punctuation marks in written matter to make the meaning clear and separate parts (as clauses or sentences)