noun

asterisk

AS-tuh-rihsk

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Asterisk (noun) means the star-shaped symbol (*) used in writing to mark a footnote, show an omission, or flag something as an exception. Example: “The price came with an asterisk pointing to the terms and conditions.”

noun

The star-shaped symbol (*) used in writing to mark a footnote, show an omission, or flag something as an exception.

"The price came with an asterisk pointing to the terms and conditions."

"He starred the winning record with an asterisk because of the shortened season."

verb

To mark something with an asterisk.

"The editor asterisked every unconfirmed fact in the draft."

How to use asterisk

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe little star symbol (*) used to flag a footnote, exception, or qualification.

Common mistake

In sports and record-keeping, "put an asterisk on it" figuratively means to cast doubt on an achievement (e.g., because of doping or unusual circumstances) — not just a literal typographic mark.

Common pairings

put an asterisk on marked with an asterisk

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: asterisks
Third person singular: asterisks
Past tense: asterisked

Test yourself on “asterisk” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The price came with an _____ pointing to the terms and conditions.

Etymology

From Late Latin asteriscus, "little star," from Greek asterískos, a diminutive of astḗr ("star").

Origin: Late Latin

Synonyms

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star

Related words

star hero champion actor principal actress lion ace

Frequently asked questions

What does “asterisk” mean?

The word “asterisk” means the star-shaped symbol (*) used in writing to mark a footnote, show an omission, or flag something as an exception. In plain terms, the little star symbol (*) used to flag a footnote, exception, or qualification.

How do you pronounce “asterisk”?

“Asterisk” is pronounced AS-tuh-rihsk (/ˈæstəˌɹɪsk/ in IPA).

How do you use “asterisk” in a sentence?

Here is “asterisk” used in a sentence: “The price came with an asterisk pointing to the terms and conditions.”

What part of speech is “asterisk”?

Depending on how it is used, “asterisk” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “asterisk” come from?

The word “asterisk” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin asteriscus, "little star," from Greek asterískos, a diminutive of astḗr ("star").

How many meanings does “asterisk” have?

“Asterisk” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the star-shaped symbol (*) used in writing to mark a footnote, show an omission, or flag something as an exception.

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