punctuation

noun

punc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌpəŋk-chə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce punctuation (audio)
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
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.
Unfortunately, Hazrat’s achievement is undercut by her determination to enlist punctuation’s history in scoring political points. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 26 Aug. 2026 Punctuation matters Messages with expressive punctuation also got better response rates from the target clinician — and the more expressive, the better. — Elise Haulund, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 These documents could be messy, idiosyncratic, full of typos and misplaced punctuation. — Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Many scam texts use vague greetings, odd wording, awkward punctuation or slightly incorrect brand names. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punctuation

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of punctuation was in 1593

Phrases Containing punctuation

Rhymes for punctuation

See All Rhymes for punctuation

Browse Nearby Words

punctuated equilibrium
punctuation
punctuational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Punctuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

punctuation

noun
punc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce punctuation (audio)
: the act, practice, or system of inserting punctuation marks in written matter to make the meaning clear and separate parts (as clauses or sentences)

More from Merriam-Webster on punctuation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about punctuation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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