hyphen
noun
a short line (-) used to connect the parts of a compound word or the parts of a word divided for any purpose.
hyphens
-
pluralof hyphen.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
-
present tense formof hyphen (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
hyphennouna short line (-) used to connect the parts of a compound word or the parts of a word divided for any purpose.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Missing hyphens or incorrect capitalization, ambiguities about singular and plural nouns or transitive and intransitive verbs — no question is too insignificant.
From Seattle Times ● May 29, 2023
Missing hyphens or incorrect capitalization, ambiguities about singular and plural nouns or transitive and intransitive verbs - no question is too insignificant.
From Washington Times ● May 29, 2023
We can blame scholar Richard Paul Jodrell for this gaffe, who, in his book The Philology of the English Language, left out hyphens in compound words.
From Salon ● Oct. 4, 2021
“It sharpens all those hyphens into so many knives and daggers,” said Lee in a Senate floor speech intended to stop the motion.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 17, 2020
Here are some exceptions to the “before or after” rule for hyphens in two-word descriptions: • If self or quasi is one of the words, always use a hyphen.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
