semicolon

[ sem-i-koh-luh n ]

/ ˈsɛm ɪˌkoʊ lən /

noun

the punctuation mark (;) used to indicate a major division in a sentence where a more distinct separation is felt between clauses or items on a list than is indicated by a comma, as between the two clauses of a compound sentence.

Nearby words

semicircle, semicircular canal, semicircular duct, semicivilized, semiclassical, semicolon, semicoma, semiconducting, semiconductor, semiconductor diode, semiconductor laser

Origin of semicolon

First recorded in 1635–45; semi- + colon¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for semicolon

I point out the phrase “more distinct separation,” and I suggest that the purpose of the semicolon is at least in part rhythmic.
Donald E. Westlake Defends the Semicolon|Donald E. Westlake|October 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The new material contains a semicolon; it has orders to call me if anybody gives it any trouble.
Donald E. Westlake Defends the Semicolon|Donald E. Westlake|October 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If the conjunction is omitted, a semicolon must separate the two members, as in the second selection above.
Business English|Rose Buhlig
The four chief punctuation points are the comma, semicolon, colon, period.
Social Life|Maud C. Cooke

When "and" joins two clauses, the preceding point may be the comma, the semicolon, or even the full stop.
"Stops"|Paul Allardyce
A semicolon might be used, if a semicolon were not used within the second independent element.
English: Composition and Literature|W. F. (William Franklin) Webster
Here I find the comma and period, and also the note of interrogation, but not the colon or semicolon.
Notes and Queries, Vol. V, Number 119, February 7, 1852|Various

British Dictionary definitions for semicolon

semicolon

/ (ˌsɛmɪˈkəʊlən) /

noun

the punctuation mark (;) used to indicate a pause intermediate in value or length between that of a comma and that of a full stop

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Culture definitions for semicolon

semicolon

A punctuation mark (;) used to join two independent clauses in a sentence. The semicolon shows that the ideas in the two clauses are related: “Jack really didn't mind being left without a car; he had the house to himself.”