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
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.
There are several teams around the NFL that are viewed as playoff contenders, but these four teams have multiple question marks as training camp gets underway. Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 The Miami offensive line has as many question marks this year as last, so short passing may again be the modus operandi. Kc Joyner, New York Times, 23 July 2025 Another big question mark here is how much RAM the laptop will have. ArsTechnica, 7 July 2025 Max Fried and Carlos Rodon are a formidable one-two punch, but after them the rotation is full of question marks. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for question mark

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of question mark was in 1862

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Question mark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/question%20mark. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

question mark

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

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