apostrophe
What is another word for apostrophe? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.
Noun — The punctuation mark ( ' ) used to show possession or mark missing letters in a contraction.
We haven't recorded synonyms for apostrophe yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.
How to use apostrophe
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
possessive apostrophe
misplaced apostrophe
Etymology
From Greek apostrophos, "turning away," from apostrephein, "to turn away" — the punctuation sense comes from the mark showing where a letter has been "turned away," or omitted.
Full origin of apostrophe →Frequently asked questions
What does “apostrophe” mean?
The word “apostrophe” means the punctuation mark ( ' ) used to show possession or mark missing letters in a contraction. In plain terms, usually the punctuation mark used in contractions and possessives; less commonly, a literary technique of addressing something that can't respond.
How do you pronounce “apostrophe”?
“Apostrophe” is pronounced uh-POS-truh-fee (/əˈpɑs.tɹə.fi/ in IPA).
How do you use “apostrophe” in a sentence?
Here is “apostrophe” used in a sentence: “Remember the apostrophe in "don't" — it stands for the missing "o.".”
What part of speech is “apostrophe”?
“Apostrophe” is a noun.
Where does the word “apostrophe” come from?
The word “apostrophe” comes from Greek. From Greek apostrophos, "turning away," from apostrephein, "to turn away" — the punctuation sense comes from the mark showing where a letter has been "turned away," or omitted.
How many meanings does “apostrophe” have?
“Apostrophe” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the punctuation mark ( ' ) used to show possession or mark missing letters in a contraction.
