dash

The word “dash” means to run or move quickly, usually for a short distance. In plain terms, to move very fast, to wreck something (like hopes), or a small quantity of an ingredient — or the punctuation mark "—".

“Dash” is pronounced DASH (/ˈdæʃ/ in IPA).

Here is “dash” used in a sentence: “She dashed to the station to catch the last train.”

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

The word “dash” comes from Middle English. From Middle English daschen, related to Scandinavian words for slapping or striking — the sense of "smashing" or "throwing violently" came first, with "running quickly" and the punctuation mark developing later.

“Dash” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Dash” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to run or move quickly, usually for a short distance.

A hyphen (-) is a short mark that joins words or parts of words, as in "well-known". A dash is a longer horizontal line used to set off part of a sentence, mark a range, or show a break in thought. In short: hyphens connect, dashes separate.

An en dash (–) is roughly the width of the letter N and typically marks ranges, such as "pages 10–20". An em dash (—) is longer and sets off interruptions or added information within a sentence. Both are dashes, distinguished by length and function.

In recipes, a dash is a small added amount of an ingredient — a quick shake or splash of something like salt, pepper, or hot sauce. It is an informal measure; some kitchen references pin it at about 1/8 teaspoon, but in everyday cooking it simply means a little, added to taste.