comma

noun

com·​ma ˈkä-mə How to pronounce comma (audio)
1
: a punctuation mark, used especially as a mark of separation within the sentence
2
3
: any of several nymphalid butterflies (genus Polygonia) with a silvery comma-shaped mark on the underside of the hind wings

Examples of comma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
After her name, there is frequently only a comma and the description: the fiancé of Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon. Laura Trujillo, USA TODAY, 9 Sep. 2024 People who know me can understand my position on things based on punctuation marks, my commas. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2024 The rise and fall from comma to comma, the full stop in a period: In the face of uncertainty, of not knowing when the pain will end, Small Rain’s sentences transform the clinical narration of a hospital stay into the soothing murmur of a prayer, or the steady sound of rain. Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 3 Sep. 2024 My new thing is teaching people about something called the Cambridge comma. Riane Konc, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for comma 

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin, part of a sentence, from Greek komma segment, clause, from koptein to cut — more at capon

First Known Use

1554, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of comma was in 1554

Dictionary Entries Near comma

Cite this Entry

“Comma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comma. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

comma

noun
com·​ma ˈkäm-ə How to pronounce comma (audio)
: a punctuation mark , used chiefly to show separation of words or word groups within a sentence
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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