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 Lead singer Blair Tramel shouted vociferously and did jumping jacks while her band bashed out athletic riffs, punctuated by blasts from the whistle that their guitarist had around his neck. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2024 Unlike Welcome, Alika Rising envelops into discordant notes, notably punctuated by Brown’s turn on piano. Shannon J. Effinger, SPIN, 13 Mar. 2024 Particularly special is the spa’s 20-meter indoor pool punctuated by eight arabesque marble columns. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2024 The stars came out to shine head to toe with some incredible jewels, from brooches to multiple statement necklaces punctuating each look. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024 In place of extensive compositional analyses (during this time, the composer wrote only six new pieces), Maddocks offers a character study punctuated by colorful source material, including acerbic diary entries by Prokofiev, which betray both envy of and affection for his competitor. The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 But Peck generates a conversation through explosive movements, punctuated by kinetic lighting (designed by Brandon Stirling Baker). Gloria Oladipo, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 For a moment, there was just wind, punctuated by silence. Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2024 Its grand lobby is a visual treat for the eyes – with vaulted ceilings punctuated with golden Murano chandeliers and sconces; luxe, cozy vignettes meant for sipping cocktails or snuggling with a book; and an adjacent ballroom anchored by a theatrical Chihuly chandelier. Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 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 29 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!