question mark

American  

[kwes-chuhn mahrk] / ˈkwɛs tʃən ˌmɑrk /

noun

1. Also called interrogation point.  Also called interrogation mark.  a punctuation mark indicating a question: usually, as in English, the mark (?) placed after a question.

2. something unanswered or unknown.

   His identity is still a question mark to most of us.

3. an anglewing butterfly, Polygonia interrogationis, having a silver marking that resembles a question mark on the underside of each hindwing.

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question mark British  

noun

1. the punctuation mark ? , used at the end of questions and in other contexts where doubt or ignorance is implied

2. this mark used for any other purpose, as to draw attention to a possible mistake, as in a chess commentary

3. an element of doubt or uncertainty

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question mark Cultural  

1. A punctuation mark (?) that follows a direct question: “Is Ralph really seven feet tall?”

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Etymology

Origin of question mark

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

I was pleased for him because he has had a few question marks over his form recently, and we know he is a super talent.

From BBC

The New York Times stake, as noted, looks like a question mark as to which Berkshire manager bought it.

From Barron's

Additionally, we do not know how long we will stay in this house — that is a big question mark for us.

From MarketWatch

Addressing the other big question mark—what happens when Don retires—Sallie says she believes the best path forward is to lease the land to an outside, trusted farmer.

From The Wall Street Journal

With question marks removed over his own future, Tuchel will soon have to navigate the recurring issues his predecessors have faced leading England into major tournaments.

From BBC

Related Words

• conundrum
• puzzle