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

Over time, Greg Evans has checked in with a number of questions about word choice, grammar, and punctuation. —Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026

In Evan Bouchard’s case, those punctuations can often appear in the same sentence. —Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026

The punctuation at the end like a nail left in a wall. —Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026

Paez Teran’s death was a tragic punctuation amid years of protest and pushback against Atlanta’s sprawling new police training center. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing punctuation

• punctuation mark

Rhymes for punctuation

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

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)