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

Most of the amendments were punctuation issues, formatting changes or edits made for clarity, but others were factual corrections. —Silas Allen, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026

The meme’s brackets and asterisks—never has punctuation been so eloquent—seemed to step in where words failed. —Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026

Curry’s comments above have been slightly edited for punctuation. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026

At times, pace and flow were more theoretical than anything else, and the punctuations of officials’ whistles were the game’s soundtrack. —Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 22 Feb. 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)