punctuate

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
punctuated; punctuating

transitive verb

1
: to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks
2
: to break into or interrupt at intervals
the steady click of her needles punctuated the silenceEdith Wharton
3

intransitive verb

: to use punctuation marks
punctuator noun

Examples of punctuate in a Sentence

Do you know how to punctuate a sentence correctly? punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table
Recent Examples on the Web Aidan Mahaney’s 3-pointer punctuated the burst and brought the Gaels within 46-38 with 17:12 to play. Jeff Faraudo, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024 The cancellation prematurely punctuates what was shaping up to be one of the best seasons in recent program history. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 Mar. 2024 His decision punctuates a powerful ideological transition underway in the Republican Party, from Ronald Reagan’s brand of traditional conservatism and strong international alliances, to the fiery, often isolationist populism of former President Donald Trump. Michael Tackett, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2024 The trip is punctuated with short and long hotel stays in cities such as Florence, Rome, London, Delhi, Budapest, and Istanbul. Everett Potter, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The two have been involved in a years-long feud punctuated by brief, awkward interactions. Hanif Abdurraqib, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2024 While Bham ensures chuckles and smiles during the initial hour — often through sudden cuts that punctuate surprising humor — the film’s visual energy shifts dramatically from there on out, once Pema embarks to find Tashi and confront him with the truth. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024 That the two-way star punctuated the session with a scorching line-drive blast off Feyereisen was simply a bonus for the Dodgers, who are growing ever-more optimistic about the progress their $700 million investment has been making this spring. Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024 Sure, Lamb's 13-catch, 227-yard statement was punctuated by a 92-yard catch-and-run that was enabled by a defender who slipped and fell to the turf. USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'punctuate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point

First Known Use

circa 1766, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of punctuate was circa 1766

Dictionary Entries Near punctuate

Cite this Entry

“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

punctuate

verb
punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
punctuated; punctuating
1
: to mark or divide with punctuation marks
2
: to interrupt at intervals
a speech punctuated by a harsh cough

More from Merriam-Webster on punctuate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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