punctuation

noun

punc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌpəŋk-chə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: the act of punctuating : the state of being punctuated

2

: the act or practice of inserting standardized marks or signs in written matter to clarify the meaning and separate structural units

also : a system of punctuation

3

: something that contrasts or accentuates

Examples of punctuation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are a few exclamation marks in Dora's history of Nolvadex, four to be precise, and a bit of punctuation wouldn't normally draw attention to itself, but in Dora's case, an exclamation point does, especially coming from a very quiet person. —Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024

But the rhetoric about living in a different United States, using odd punctuation, talk of maritime law and treaties, and arguing over a capital T are standard sovereign citizen beliefs. —Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2024

The subtle tourbillon hovering at 6 o’clock adds a punctuation of pizzazz to the otherwise stark dial. —Carol Besler, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2024

Outwardly mordant, Ron could be downright goofy in his ATEX messages, with deliberate typos and odd punctuation, designed to keep me—a copy editor, four years in—amused. —Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 22 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing punctuation

• punctuation mark

Kids Definition

punctuation

noun

punc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-ˈwā-shən 

: the act, practice, or system of inserting punctuation marks in written matter to make the meaning clear and separate parts (as clauses or sentences)