punctuation
puhngk-choo-AY-shuhn
Punctuation (noun) means the marks and symbols, such as commas, full stops, and question marks, used in writing to organize and clarify meaning. Example: “The essay lost marks for poor punctuation.”
noun
1
The marks and symbols, such as commas, full stops, and question marks, used in writing to organize and clarify meaning.
"Different languages have different rules for punctuation."
"The essay lost marks for poor punctuation."
"Commas and periods are two of the most common punctuation marks."
How to use punctuation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe marks used in writing, like commas and full stops, that show structure and meaning.
Common pairings
punctuation mark
correct punctuation
lack of punctuation
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Word forms
- Plural
- punctuations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The essay lost marks for poor _____.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin punctuatio, "a marking with points," from punctuare, "to mark with points."
Synonyms
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punctuation mark
Rhymes for punctuation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for punctuation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “punctuation” mean?
The word “punctuation” means the marks and symbols, such as commas, full stops, and question marks, used in writing to organize and clarify meaning. In plain terms, the marks used in writing, like commas and full stops, that show structure and meaning.
How do you pronounce “punctuation”?
“Punctuation” is pronounced puhngk-choo-AY-shuhn (/ˌpʌŋk.t͡ʃuˈeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “punctuation” in a sentence?
Here is “punctuation” used in a sentence: “The essay lost marks for poor punctuation.”
What part of speech is “punctuation”?
“Punctuation” is a noun.
Where does the word “punctuation” come from?
The word “punctuation” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin punctuatio, "a marking with points," from punctuare, "to mark with points.".
Is “punctuation” a common word?
“Punctuation” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
