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

In the following exchange from The Sound and the Fury, William Faulkner wields the power of suggestion with extraordinary ease (and no punctuation). —Literary Hub, 1 May 2026

Throughout the season, the storyline was the team’s lack of offensive production, and their playoff loss was the punctuation of their regular-season struggles. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026

And Dosunmu’s magical night had its punctuation. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026

Over time, Greg Evans has checked in with a number of questions about word choice, grammar, and punctuation. —Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing punctuation

• punctuation mark

Rhymes for punctuation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

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)