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

Texting has virtually eliminated punctuation, undoing the centuries of innovation that gave sentences rhythm, shape, and meaning. — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

In moments, the towers’ dazzling height had transformed from the proud punctuation of this country’s signature skyline into a disaster-movie nightmare. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Seattle loved all of it, and the military flyover at the end provided some high-drama punctuation overhead. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

At the time, printers were paid by the letter set, but this didn’t include punctuation. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing punctuation

• punctuation mark

Rhymes for punctuation

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

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)