punctuate

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
punctuated; punctuating

transitive verb

1
: to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks
2
: to break into or interrupt at intervals
the steady click of her needles punctuated the silenceEdith Wharton
3

intransitive verb

: to use punctuation marks
punctuator noun

Examples of punctuate in a Sentence

Do you know how to punctuate a sentence correctly? punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table
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.
Meanwhile, each zone is punctuated by boss fights that are unspectacular and fail to present much challenge, especially when players can buy potions. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025 On the field, FIU suffered through a third consecutive 4-8 season, punctuated by the firing of head coach Mike MacIntyre in December and the departure of 11 full-time starters via the transfer portal, including Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year Travion Barnes. Manny Navarro, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 Dos Santos punctuated his clean sheet with a point-blank stop of a Danny Musovski attempt in the 87th minute. Kyle Kensing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025 The song is punctuated with a dizzying guitar solo, a reflection of the album’s masterful instrumentation that feels connected to the sprawling guitar work of Mk.gee, another shadowy pop force. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for punctuate

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point

First Known Use

circa 1766, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of punctuate was circa 1766

Cite this Entry

“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

punctuate

verb
punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
punctuated; punctuating
1
: to mark or divide with punctuation marks
2
: to interrupt at intervals
a speech punctuated by a harsh cough

More from Merriam-Webster on punctuate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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