punctuation
noun
punc·tu·a·tion
ˌpəŋk-chə-ˈwā-shən 
1
: the act of punctuating : the state of being punctuated
2
: the act or practice of inserting standardized marks or signs in written matter to clarify the meaning and separate structural units
also
: a system of punctuation
3
: something that contrasts or accentuates
Examples of punctuation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The makers of the Bayeux Tapestry (technically an embroidery) made extensive use of botanical imagery in their creation, with trees acting as both story elements and as punctuation between scenes.
—
Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 May 2026
While these poems have punctuation at times, more often than not are breathlessly without.
—Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
Naomi Osaka Naomi Osaka, in a custom two-piece set from couturier Robert Wun, treated feathers as artful punctuation.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 4 May 2026
Throughout the season, the storyline was the team’s lack of offensive production, and their playoff loss was the punctuation of their regular-season struggles.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punctuation
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Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 May 2026
While these poems have punctuation at times, more often than not are breathlessly without.
—Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
Naomi Osaka Naomi Osaka, in a custom two-piece set from couturier Robert Wun, treated feathers as artful punctuation.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 4 May 2026
Throughout the season, the storyline was the team’s lack of offensive production, and their playoff loss was the punctuation of their regular-season struggles.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punctuation
Cite this Entry
“Punctuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuation. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
punctuation
noun
punc·tu·a·tion
ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-ˈwā-shən
: the act, practice, or system of inserting punctuation marks in written matter to make the meaning clear and separate parts (as clauses or sentences)
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