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

Words, after all, say more than punctuation choices ever could. —Angela Haupt, Time, 28 Mar. 2025

Otter made three errors related to proper nouns but didn't place punctuation correctly several times. —PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2025

Even minor inconsistencies in punctuation, capitalisation, or date formats can create a negative impression. —Andrew Fennell, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Two late losses, no ACC title game, no CFP and, then a loss in something called the Pop-Tarts Bowl, a fitting humiliation as punctuation for Cristobal’s third year as UM’s coach. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing punctuation

• punctuation mark

Rhymes for punctuation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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)