punctuation

noun

punc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌpəŋk-chə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce punctuation (audio)
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 The subtle tourbillon hovering at 6 o’clock adds a punctuation of pizzazz to the otherwise stark dial. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2024 Outwardly mordant, Ron could be downright goofy in his ATEX messages, with deliberate typos and odd punctuation, designed to keep me—a copy editor, four years in—amused. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 22 Aug. 2024 The show’s promotional language (including font and punctuation) pays tribute to the spook show advertisements of old. Scott Feinblatt, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2024 Use plain language, mixed case fonts and punctuation. Toby Wong, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for punctuation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'punctuation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of punctuation was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near punctuation

Cite this Entry

“Punctuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuation. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

punctuation

noun
punc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce punctuation (audio)
: the act, practice, or system of inserting punctuation marks in written matter to make the meaning clear and separate parts (as clauses or sentences)

More from Merriam-Webster on punctuation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!