noun B1 Intermediate Uncommon

comma

KO-muh

Comma (noun) means the punctuation mark ( , ) used to separate parts of a sentence or items in a list. Example: “Remember to add a comma after the introductory phrase.”

noun

The punctuation mark ( , ) used to separate parts of a sentence or items in a list.

"Remember to add a comma after the introductory phrase."

"She listed apples, oranges, and bananas, separating each with a comma."

A butterfly with a small comma-shaped mark on the underside of its wings.

"A comma butterfly landed on the fence post in the garden."

How to use comma

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe comma punctuation mark, or a species of butterfly named for the comma-shaped mark on its wings.

Common mistake

A comma splice — joining two full sentences with only a comma and no conjunction — is one of the most common grammar errors in English writing.

Common pairings

comma splice Oxford comma insert a comma

Word forms

commaed past tense, comma'd past tense, commas plural, commata plural, commaes plural, commas singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Remember to add a _____ after the introductory phrase.

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.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

View more →

comma butterfly

Rhymes for comma

momma

See all rhymes for 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.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include comma:

Words with Greek origins