question mark

noun

1
a
: something unknown, unknowable, or uncertain
b
: someone (such as an athlete) whose condition, talent, or potential for success is in doubt
2
: a mark ? used in writing and printing at the conclusion of a sentence to indicate a direct question

Examples of question mark in a Sentence

The team's pitching is a big question mark this season.
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.
Similar criticism was leveled at Qatar before 2022, with question marks remaining throughout the tournament. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024 What Now, Brittany Howard There’s no question mark in the title of Brittany Howard’s second solo album since going on hiatus from the Alabama Shakes in 2018. Stephen Kearse, TIME, 8 Dec. 2024 That would leave just one bullpen spot up for grabs if everyone is healthy, but Stewart is coming back from August shoulder surgery and Topa’s troublesome left knee is a big question mark. Aaron Gleeman, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 UConn’s defensive effort, another question mark entering the season after losing lottery picks Clingan and Castle, was overwhelming to start and forced three turnovers in the first two minutes. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for question mark 

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of question mark was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near question mark

Cite this Entry

“Question mark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/question%20mark. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

question mark

noun
: a punctuation mark ? used chiefly at the end of a sentence to indicate a direct question

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