punctuate

play

verb punc·tu·ate \ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt\

Definition of punctuate

punctuated

;

punctuating

transitive verb
1 : to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks
2 : to break into or interrupt at intervals the steady click of her needles punctuated the silence — Edith Wharton
3 : accentuate, emphasize
intransitive verb
: to use punctuation marks

punctuator

play \-ˌwā-tər\ noun

See punctuate defined for English-language learners

See punctuate defined for kids

Examples of punctuate in a Sentence

Do you know how to punctuate a sentence correctly?
punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table

Recent Examples of punctuate from the Web

Punctuated by bluesy wails, handclaps, and jazzy instrumentation, this year's soul/rock lineup commands attention.

— birmingham magazine, AL.com, "Everything you need to know about Sloss Fest", 6 July 2017
Finally, freedom for Europe through victories in three world wars, punctuated by the landing at Normandy and the simple genius of Ronald Reagan, the likes of which was still needed to bring liberty to the rest of the world.

— elliot kaufman, National Review, "Grace on the Fourth of July", 4 July 2017
To punctuate how personal and threatening Comey’s testimony was, Marc Kasowitz, the president’s personal lawyer, offered a public and point-by-point rebuttal on Thursday afternoon.

— dan balz, Washington Post, "Comey testimony shifts focus to Trump", 8 June 2017
Ellis followed directions to the spot and crossed a field punctuated by hedgerows.

— kathryn true, The Seattle Times, "Whidbey Island nature lover enriches travels with a Mammal Big Year", 8 June 2017
At the topping off, a Swinerton Builders crane slowly lifted the beam to the hotel’s top floor, with its arrival punctuated by the explosion of fireworks.

— michele parente, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Viejas expanding the definition of casino resort", 2 June 2017
Her warm and loquacious manner is punctuated by her trademark and infectiously jolly guffaw, which was immortalized on Top Chef, for better or for worse.

— miamiherald, "Chef Josie Smith-Malave comes home to Bubbles + Pearls", 2 June 2017
The use of such grandiose language to describe the mundanity of the characters’ lives creates a comical undertone punctuated by hyperbole.

— heather grevatt, idahostatesman, "Idaho author probes nature of heroes in debut novel", 2 June 2017
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin used the news to punctuate a point he's made for months — that the state can help itself by investing in its urban centers.

— stephen singer, courant.com, "Losing Aetna Headquarters May Not Mean Losing Workers", 1 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'punctuate'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of punctuate

Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point

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First Known Use: circa 1766

See Words from the same year

PUNCTUATE Defined for English Language Learners

punctuate

play

verb

Definition of punctuate for English Language Learners

: to use punctuation marks in (a piece of writing)
: to interrupt or occur in (something) repeatedly

PUNCTUATE Defined for Kids

punctuate

play

verb punc·tu·ate \ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt\

Definition of punctuate for Students

punctuated

;

punctuating

1 : to add punctuation marks to writing
2 : to interrupt or occur in repeatedly His speech was punctuated by applause.
3 : to give emphasis to She kept talking, using her hands sometimes to punctuate a point. — Brian Selznick, Wonderstruck