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.
But the main driver of the Reagan administration’s shift in nuclear policy was the U.S. anti-nuclear movement, symbolized by the nuclear freeze campaign and punctuated by a million person rally for disarmament in New York’s Central Park in June of 1982. William Hartung, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 Way, the air punctuated by loud honking from passing cars and trucks and tables on the sidewalk laden with lunch for striking workers. Harriet Blair Rowan, Mercury News, 18 June 2025 Although no demonstrators were arrested by local law enforcement Friday, tensions escalated over the course of the weekend, leading to larger gatherings punctuated by episodes of violence, theft, graffiti and property destruction. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025 Violence has ticked up in recent years, punctuated over the weekend by the daytime shooting of a high-profile politician and presidential hopeful, Miguel Uribe Turbay. Mie Hoejris Dahl, Christian Science Monitor, 10 June 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 28 Jun. 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

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