question mark

noun

1

a

: something unknown, unknowable, or uncertain

b

: someone (such as an athlete) whose condition, talent, or potential for success is in doubt

2

: a mark ? used in writing and printing at the conclusion of a sentence to indicate a direct question

Examples of question mark in a Sentence

The team's pitching is a big question mark this season.

Recent Examples on the Web

Geekie’s ability to keep up and complement Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel has been clutch, since that right-wing slot was a big question mark heading into the year. —Scott Powers, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Co-founder Kenneth Kohlmann said Trump’s tariff agenda is a big question mark for Yarbo. —Brian Cheung, NBC News, 8 Jan. 2025

Soto has locked down right field, but the other two outfield spots are question marks. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

In addition to Kennedy, there are question marks over at least two of Trump’s prominent nominees: media commentator Pete Hegseth, who has been nominated to be Defense secretary, and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii), Trump’s pick to be director of national intelligence. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

question mark

noun

: a punctuation mark ? used chiefly at the end of a sentence to indicate a direct question