Oxford comma

British  

noun

1. a comma between the final items in a list, often preceding the word `and' or `or', such as the final comma in the list newspapers, magazines, and books

---

Etymology

Origin of Oxford comma

C20: because it was traditionally a feature of the house style at Oxford University Press

Example Sentences

"It is my understanding that he liked to use the Oxford comma," she added.

From BBC • May 9, 2024

On his website, he described himself as a “militant bicyclist” and “a proponent of the singular they, the Oxford comma, and pre-Elon Twitter.“

From Washington Times • Oct. 2, 2023

The Chicago Manual of Style, probably the AP’s chief style competitor, recommends the Oxford comma.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 31, 2023

Mr Schmidt's main bugbear is excessive punctuation, not unlike UK politician Thérèse Coffey who objected to the so-called "Oxford comma".

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2022

And, well, I argued for that Oxford comma.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author