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

These were staples of her upbringing and her reading, the punctuation of her days as a practicing Christian. —Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025

Also, the sound of a flushing toilet had been heard in films, usually as comic punctuation. —Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025

The keychains feature large letters, punctuation or symbols along with metal charms of the Labubus representing the letter. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

Algorithms now insert punctuation, expand cryptic abbreviations, and hyperlink obscure citations to their sources. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 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)