punctuate
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to mark or divide (something written) with punctuation marks in order to make the meaning clear.
-
to interrupt at intervals.
Cheers punctuated the mayor's speech.
-
to give emphasis or force to; emphasize; underline.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
(also intr) to insert punctuation marks into (a written text)
-
to interrupt or insert at frequent intervals
a meeting punctuated by heckling
-
to give emphasis to
Other Word Forms
- nonpunctuating adjective
- punctuator noun
- repunctuate verb (used with object)
- unpunctuated adjective
- unpunctuating adjective
Etymology
Origin of punctuate
1625–35; < Medieval Latin pūnctuātus (past participle of pūnctuāre to point), derivative of Latin pūnctus a pricking; punctual
Explanation
Most commonly, punctuate means to insert standard marks (like periods, commas, and exclamation points) into written sentences. You punctuate sentences to give the reader additional information, such as when a sentence ends, whether or not that sentence is a question, and when a series of words might be a list. You can also punctuate, or emphasize, your words by shouting them or making them ALL CAPS. Occasionally, this verb can also mean "interrupt periodically," as when your cat walks back and forth across your keyboard, punctuating your writing with "shjkpl;" and "pohjxz."
Vocabulary lists containing punctuate
Language and Grammar - Introductory
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Refugee
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Language and Grammar - Middle School
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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.
Jamal Murray drained a three-pointer from almost three-quarters court at the buzzer to punctuate a chaotic final 35 seconds that included Doncic’s 13th technical foul of the season and an 8-0 run for the Nuggets.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026
As framed by beautiful, evocative pairings that punctuate the show’s final galleries, the conversation continued, with some of Manet’s later boudoir interiors and portraits of fashionable Parisiennes unthinkable without Morisot’s example.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 25, 2025
The frescos on the ceiling, the intricate wooden and stone carvings that punctuate the space, they’re all in perfect condition.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2025
Large murals celebrating the city's automotive history punctuate the scenery.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2025
Anya yelled, leaning over the railing to punctuate her words.
From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
