noun

caret

KA-rit

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Caret (noun) means a mark used by writers and proofreaders to show that something should be inserted at that point in the text. Example: “She added a caret to show where the missing word should go.”

noun

A mark used by writers and proofreaders to show that something should be inserted at that point in the text.

"She added a caret to show where the missing word should go."

"The editor marked the correction with a small caret above the line."

The symbol used to show exponentiation, written as a small upward-pointing arrow.

"In the formula, x^2 uses a caret to mean x squared."

"Type a caret between the base and the power."

user interface A blinking line or bar on a screen that marks where the next character will be typed or edited.

"Click in the text box and the caret will start blinking there."

"Use the arrow keys to move the caret through the sentence."

How to use caret

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small mark showing where something is missing or where typing will appear.

When to use it

The proofreading sense is the traditional one, while the on-screen cursor sense is the one most people meet day to day.

Memory tip

Caret, carat and karat sound alike but mean different things, so check the spelling matches gemstones (carat), gold purity (karat) or the insertion mark (caret).

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

carat → karat carrot →

Common pairings

insert a caret blinking caret caret symbol move the caret

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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”.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She added a _____ to show where the missing word should go.

Etymology

Caret comes from the Latin word caret, meaning 'it lacks', the form of the verb careo, to lack, used because the mark shows where something is missing from the text.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

cursor

Related words

display pointer cursor cursory

Rhymes for caret

claret minaret cabaret Margaret

See all rhymes for caret →

Frequently asked questions

What does caret mean?

It is a small mark used to show where something should be inserted in a text, and the same word also names the ^ symbol and the blinking cursor on a screen.

What is a caret used for in writing?

Proofreaders and editors use it to mark the exact spot where a missing word, letter or punctuation mark should be added.

Is caret the same as a cursor?

On a screen, the caret is the blinking line or bar marking the text-insertion point, which is one specific kind of cursor.

What is the meaning of caret?

"caret" (noun) means a mark used by writers and proofreaders to show that something should be inserted at that point in the text.

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