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

To a modern reader, some of the poem’s charm, and its difficulty, comes from its eccentric punctuation and archaic vocabulary. —New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026

At the revision stage, AI can support the editing and rewriting of ideas as well as help with … punctuation, capitalization, and grammar. —Cory Turner, NPR, 14 Jan. 2026

In the days before printers could give us vibrant colors and high-resolution photos, dedicated artists would use the 128 ASCII printable characters (letters, numbers, punctuation) to make black-and-white art. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2026

The punctuation of the narrative with non-chronological flashes and scene is consistent through almost the whole film. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2026

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)