punctuate

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
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 silenceEdith Wharton
3

intransitive verb

: to use punctuation marks
punctuator noun

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 on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The contest was the second of two exhibition matches the USA Eagles put on in Charlotte — the first was a 38-17 dismantling of Belgium last weekend — and punctuated a two-match spree in which 9,678 fans flowed through the midtown venue. Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025 When the crowd wasn’t baying in support, an astonishing silence fell on Court 1, punctuated by the smallest sounds: a ball being bounced on the turf at the far end of the seventy-eight-foot court; birdsong; a door closing somewhere far away. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 July 2025 The night was punctuated with the chilling whine of approaching drones that slammed into residential areas, exploded and sent balls of orange flames into the dark during the 10-hour barrage. arkansasonline.com, 11 July 2025 Human lie-detector test Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne) is an accidental menace to herself and others, and the second season of Poker Face is punctuated by one tragedy after another for Charlie. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for punctuate

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1766, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of punctuate was circa 1766

Cite this Entry

“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

punctuate

verb
punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
punctuated; punctuating
1
: to mark or divide with punctuation marks
2
: to interrupt at intervals
a speech punctuated by a harsh cough

More from Merriam-Webster on punctuate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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