noun

ampersand

AM-per-sand

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Ampersand (noun) means the symbol &, used to represent the word 'and'. Example: “The firm's name is written as Smith & Jones, with an ampersand instead of 'and'.”

noun

The symbol &, used to represent the word 'and'.

"The firm's name is written as Smith & Jones, with an ampersand instead of 'and'."

"She typed an ampersand between the two names on the form."

"The logo uses a large ampersand to join the two brand names."

How to use ampersand

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe '&' sign, a shorthand way of writing 'and'.

When to use it

Mostly seen in names, logos and informal writing rather than formal prose.

Memory tip

When reading & aloud, just say 'and' — the symbol itself is never spoken as 'ampersand'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

use an ampersand join with an ampersand company name with an ampersand an ampersand symbol

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The firm's name is written as Smith & Jones, with an _____ instead of 'and'.

Etymology

The noun comes from a British regional or informal way of saying the phrase 'and per se and', meaning roughly 'the & symbol by itself, standing for and'. This phrase was used to keep the & symbol separate from the abbreviation &c. for et cetera. The spelling ampersand itself is first recorded from 1795.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What does the ampersand symbol mean?

It stands for the word 'and', showing that two things are joined together.

Where does the word ampersand come from?

It comes from the old phrase 'and per se and', meaning '& by itself, and', and the spelling ampersand was first recorded in 1795.

When should you use an ampersand instead of and?

It's typically used in company names, logos and informal notes, rather than in formal running text.

What is the meaning of ampersand?

"ampersand" (noun) means the symbol &, used to represent the word 'and'.