question mark
Americannoun
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question marks
plural
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Also called interrogation point, interrogation mark. a punctuation mark indicating a question: usually, as in English, the mark (?) placed after a question.
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something unanswered or unknown.
His identity is still a question mark to most of us.
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an anglewing butterfly, Polygonia interrogationis, having a silver marking that resembles a question mark on the underside of each hindwing.
noun
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the punctuation mark ? , used at the end of questions and in other contexts where doubt or ignorance is implied
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this mark used for any other purpose, as to draw attention to a possible mistake, as in a chess commentary
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an element of doubt or uncertainty
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of question mark
First recorded in 1865–70
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.
Now his tenure at the helm has become another question mark for investors.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 11, 2026
In our secret recording of their conversation, Alias repeatedly asks Saman to confirm this, despite knowing there is a question mark over the mini-mart's true ownership.
From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026
In the meantime, the trade-policy question mark has ensured that the U.S. has abundant supplies of a critical metal.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
The resolution to reappoint Chandrasekharan, while approved by the board, could be defeated at the company's Annual General Meeting as Tata Trusts is likely to vote against it, putting a question mark over his future.
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026
The storm curled along the coast like a question mark; all over the city people braced themselves.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
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