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

Her resistance to rigid punctuation or academic language reflects a broader skepticism about power and interpretation. —Okla Jones, Essence, 3 May 2025

Tone, grammar, emoji use, slang, and punctuation all become data points that inform its assumptions. —Diana Spehar, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

The garden’s a contract written in green, snap peas curling their tendrils into the fine print of April, potatoes pressing root-to-clause beneath loamy punctuation. —Contributing Monitor Poets, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr. 2025

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