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

Its poem didn’t read like prose, had a variety of punctuation, and even paid attention to capitalization, opting for primarily lowercase letters. —PC Magazine, 6 May 2025

Everything from the cut of a blazer, the arch of a shoulder and the punctuation of a lapel tells a story and these choices are never just fashion. —Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

With Tottenham Hotspur due to meet Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League later, Nick Miller took it upon himself to research the weird use of punctuation in club names. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 1 May 2025

Her resistance to rigid punctuation or academic language reflects a broader skepticism about power and interpretation. —Okla Jones, Essence, 3 May 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)