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

Anyone seeking a full understanding of Mary will benefit from reading her correspondence, published in 1972; the letters, however peculiar in their observations and punctuation, reveal the intellectual capacities of a woman often seen wholly in terms of her emotions. —Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026

The makers of the Bayeux Tapestry (technically an embroidery) made extensive use of botanical imagery in their creation, with trees acting as both story elements and as punctuation between scenes. —Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 May 2026

While these poems have punctuation at times, more often than not are breathlessly without. —Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026

Naomi Osaka Naomi Osaka, in a custom two-piece set from couturier Robert Wun, treated feathers as artful punctuation. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 4 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing punctuation

• punctuation mark

Rhymes for punctuation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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)