punctuate

[puhngk-choo-eyt]

verb (used with object)

punctuated, punctuating 

1. to mark or divide (something written) with punctuation marks in order to make the meaning clear.

2. to interrupt at intervals.

   Cheers punctuated the mayor's speech.

3. to give emphasis or force to; emphasize; underline.

verb (used without object)

punctuated, punctuating 

1. to insert or use marks of punctuation.

punctuate

/ ˈpʌŋktjʊˌeɪt /

verb

1. (also intr) to insert punctuation marks into (a written text)

2. to interrupt or insert at frequent intervals

   a meeting punctuated by heckling

3. to give emphasis to

Other Word Forms

• punctuator noun
• nonpunctuating adjective
• repunctuate verb (used with object)
• unpunctuated adjective
• unpunctuating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of punctuate¹

1625–35; < Medieval Latin pūnctuātus (past participle of pūnctuāre to point), derivative of Latin pūnctus a pricking; punctual

Word History and Origins

Origin of punctuate¹

C17: from Medieval Latin punctuāre to prick, from Latin punctum a prick, from pungere to puncture

Example Sentences

It looks more like a college campus with the occasional patch of grass punctuating the cell blocks.

Read more on BBC

He punctuated the event with his memorable strikeout of Mike Trout for the final out in the championship game.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The week was punctuated by tests, all of which the ship passed with flying colors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Each word she says is stunted and punctuated, like she’s forcing herself to answer the question.

Read more on Literature

There was a special quietness about the place, punctuated now and then by the high trill of birdsong.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• interrupt 
• intersperse 
• pepper 
• sprinkle 
• underline