punctuates; punctuated; punctuating
1
: to use punctuation marks in (a piece of writing)
Do you know how to punctuate a sentence correctly?
an improperly punctuated sentence
2
: to interrupt or occur in (something) repeatedly
—usually used as (be) punctuated
Her speech was punctuated by frequent applause.
Cite this Entry
“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/punctuate. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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