mark
mahk
Mark (noun) means a visible line, spot, or impression left on a surface. Example: “The wet glass left a ring-shaped mark on the wooden table.”
noun
1
A visible line, spot, or impression left on a surface.
"The wet glass left a ring-shaped mark on the wooden table."
"There was a scuff mark on the wall from the moving boxes."
"The scar left a permanent mark on his arm."
2
A number or grade given for the quality of academic work.
"He was pleased with his good mark in the history test."
"Students must reach the pass mark to move on to the next course."
"She got top marks on her final exam."
3
A target, or the intended victim of a scam.
"The thieves chose a wealthy tourist as their mark."
"Scammers often treat lonely people as an easy mark."
"The con artist picked out his next mark at the bus station."
4
The former national currency of Germany, before the euro.
"Prices in Germany were once listed in marks rather than euros."
"My grandmother kept a few old marks in a drawer from her trip abroad."
"Before the euro arrived, shoppers in Berlin paid for bread in marks."
verb
1
To put a visible sign or symbol on something, or to grade schoolwork.
"Use a pencil to mark the spot where the shelf should go."
"Please mark your name on the top of the page."
"The teacher spent the weekend marking essays."
2
To acknowledge or celebrate an event.
"Families gathered in the square to mark the end of the festival."
"We marked her retirement with a small party in the office."
"The town held a parade to mark the anniversary of its founding."
How to use mark
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA visible sign or trace, a grade for work, a target, or (historically) German money — the exact sense depends heavily on context.
Common pairings
leave a mark
get good marks
mark an occasion
hit the mark
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Word forms
- Plural
- marks
- Third person singular
- marks
- Past tense
- marked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The wet glass left a ring-shaped _____ on the wooden table.
Etymology
From Old English mearc, meaning "boundary" or "sign" — the same ancient root that gives us "march" (a border region).
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for mark
See all rhymes for mark →Frequently asked questions
What does “mark” mean?
The word “mark” means a visible line, spot, or impression left on a surface. In plain terms, a visible sign or trace, a grade for work, a target, or (historically) German money — the exact sense depends heavily on context.
How do you pronounce “mark”?
“Mark” is pronounced mahk (/mɑɹk/ in IPA).
How do you use “mark” in a sentence?
Here is “mark” used in a sentence: “There was a scuff mark on the wall from the moving boxes.”
What is another word for “mark”?
Words with a similar meaning to “mark” include observance.
What part of speech is “mark”?
Depending on how it is used, “mark” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “mark” come from?
The word “mark” comes from Old English. From Old English mearc, meaning "boundary" or "sign" — the same ancient root that gives us "march" (a border region).
Is “mark” a common word?
“Mark” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “mark” have?
“Mark” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a visible line, spot, or impression left on a surface.
What is the difference between a mark and a stain?
A mark is any visible line, spot, or impression on a surface — it can be light, temporary, or easily removed. A stain is a specific kind of mark caused by a liquid or substance soaking in, usually discolouring the surface and hard to remove. Every stain is a mark, but not every mark is a stain.
What are the types of marks?
Marks come in many forms: spots, dots, lines, streaks, smudges, scratches, scuffs, blots, and stains. They may be made deliberately, like a pencil mark or a tick, or accidentally, like a scuff on a floor. The word covers almost any small visible change to a surface, whether it adds something or damages it.
What is an example of a mark?
A scuff left by a shoe on a floor is a mark, as is a fingerprint on glass, a pen line on paper, or a ring left by a wet cup on a table. Each is a visible line, spot, or impression on a surface — the core meaning of the word.
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