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

While Venezuela is still a question mark, Chevron has been in the region for years, which could give it an advantage once the nation begins to open up more broadly to foreign investment.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

A question mark hovers over this $30,000 offer.

From MarketWatch • May 16, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Right-side infield defense will be a question mark with Arraez returning to second base and Rafael Devers manning first.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

The question mark is the raised eyebrow at the end of a sentence.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Related Words

• conundrum
• puzzle