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 slow-burn setup (even despite punctuations of mad violence) all leads to the requisite gala centerpiece, where the quote-unquote new and improved Elvira is revealed to her potential Prince.
—
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
The decision to make the character a roast comic — with a signature mic-drop joke punctuation, repeated a bananas number of times — takes this desk piece to the next level.
—Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 19 Jan. 2025
Of course, playful writing is encouraged when appropriate, and when used sparingly and deftly, a self-aware holiday phrase can add a clever punctuation to a piece.
—Mathew Brownstein, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024
Often, the end of the story for such women has been grim — burning at the stake, a fiery punctuation to their defiance.
—Anita Kopacz, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for punctuation 
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Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
The decision to make the character a roast comic — with a signature mic-drop joke punctuation, repeated a bananas number of times — takes this desk piece to the next level.
—Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 19 Jan. 2025
Of course, playful writing is encouraged when appropriate, and when used sparingly and deftly, a self-aware holiday phrase can add a clever punctuation to a piece.
—Mathew Brownstein, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024
Often, the end of the story for such women has been grim — burning at the stake, a fiery punctuation to their defiance.
—Anita Kopacz, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for punctuation
Dictionary Entries Near punctuation
Cite this Entry
“Punctuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuation. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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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