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

His writing style followed no rules and paid little attention to grammar or punctuation. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026

Terjesen used hand gestures to emphasize some lines, pausing more at punctuation than at line breaks. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

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

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)