question mark

noun

1

a

: something unknown, unknowable, or uncertain

b

: someone (such as an athlete) whose condition, talent, or potential for success is in doubt

2

: a mark ? used in writing and printing at the conclusion of a sentence to indicate a direct question

Examples of question mark in a Sentence

The team's pitching is a big question mark this season.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adding onto the loss was the season-ending injury to starting center Malick Diallo at a position that was already a question mark. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026

But then the camera pans over to a certain object that leaves a lingering question mark and begs for a sequel. —Melinda Newman, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2026

Temperatures are forecast to remain below normal with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s on Wednesday, but should rise closer to normal in the mid to upper 70s by next Friday while rain chances through mid-week remain a question mark, forecasters said. —Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026

And the one-year deal — plus Martin’s concussion issue — means the position has question marks beyond this season. —Matt Barrows, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for question mark

• disembark
• matriarch
• meadowlark
• patriarch
• watermark
• arc
• ark
• bark
• barque
• dark
• hark
• lark

Kids Definition

question mark

noun

: a punctuation mark ? used chiefly at the end of a sentence to indicate a direct question