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

A significant question mark is how long the Strait of Hormuz stays shut.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

The great thing about Cher’s tweet is that it doesn’t end with a question mark.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

The 31-year-old has, however, only started 11 games for City this season, leaving a question mark over his inclusion.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

But do you know how when you fart, it always sounds like a question mark.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

Sophie Mol said to Chacko, mimicking her mother’s question mark.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

Related Words

• conundrum
• puzzle