comma
1 synonym for comma, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The punctuation mark ( , ) used to separate parts of a sentence or items in a list.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
comma butterfly
How to use comma
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
comma splice
Oxford comma
insert a comma
Etymology
From Greek kómma ("piece cut off"), from kóptō ("to cut") — originally referring to a short clause or "cut" of a sentence before it named the punctuation mark itself.
Full origin of comma →Frequently asked questions
What does “comma” mean?
The word “comma” means the punctuation mark ( , ) used to separate parts of a sentence or items in a list. In plain terms, the comma punctuation mark, or a species of butterfly named for the comma-shaped mark on its wings.
How do you pronounce “comma”?
“Comma” is pronounced KO-muh ([ˈkɑ.mə ~ ˈkɑ.mʌ] in IPA).
How do you use “comma” in a sentence?
Here is “comma” used in a sentence: “Remember to add a comma after the introductory phrase.”
What part of speech is “comma”?
“Comma” is a noun.
Where does the word “comma” come from?
The word “comma” comes from Greek. From Greek kómma ("piece cut off"), from kóptō ("to cut") — originally referring to a short clause or "cut" of a sentence before it named the punctuation mark itself.
Is “comma” a common word?
“Comma” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “comma” have?
“Comma” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the punctuation mark ( , ) used to separate parts of a sentence or items in a list.
