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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Particularly special is the spa’s 20-meter indoor pool punctuated by eight arabesque marble columns. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2025 Paul McCartney also performed as did Sabrina Carpenter − albeit in a comedy bit punctuated by new cast member Marcello Hernández. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025 Its story, punctuated by the sensation of war as a disorienting constant, first took shape in 2019, only for the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War to shape it further the following year — eventually leading to the displacement of over a hundred thousand Armenians in 2023. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025 As a bonus, its fragrance is an absolute dream and a half: punctuated by notes of sparkling yuzu, amber, florals, vanilla, and sandalwood. Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 12 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for punctuate 

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 26 Feb. 2025.

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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