guillemet

noun

guil·​le·​met ˌgē-(y)ə-ˈmā How to pronounce guillemet (audio) ˌgi-lə-ˈmet How to pronounce guillemet (audio)
: either of the marks « or » used as quotation marks in French writing

Word History

Etymology

French, from diminutive of Guillaume William (perhaps a printer's name)

First Known Use

circa 1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guillemet was circa 1905

Dictionary Entries Near guillemet

Guillaume

guillemet

Guillemin

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Guillemet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guillemet. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about guillemet

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