question mark

American  

[kwes-chuhn mahrk] / ˈkwɛs tʃən ˌmɑrk /

noun

• question marks
  plural

1. Also called interrogation point, 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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• question marks
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of question mark

First recorded in 1865–70

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

question mark

He said there was a "big question mark" over whether there were enough people to teach technical and vocational subjects, with further education colleges already struggling to recruit.

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

"There was never a tiny question mark about it. It was complete commitment and alignment that Morgan stays here, also from his side," said the former Crystal Palace head coach.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026

Later innovations introduced elements of narrative texture and tone, as when the question mark entered the repertoire over the eighth and ninth centuries.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

The question mark is at left guard, with five candidates in the mix: Kayode Awosika, Branson Taylor, Jake Slaughter, Trey Pipkins III and Trevor Penning.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

Seeing the question mark on Papa’s face, Grandpa reached down and shook my daddy’s hand.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

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Related Words

• conundrum
• puzzle

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