en dash
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What is an en dash? An en dash (–) is a punctuation mark often used to indicate relationships or connections. The en dash resembles a horizontal line and is larger than a hyphen (-) but shorter than an em dash (—). Most computer typing programs list the en dash in a menu of special characters or will automatically insert it in place of a hyphen. The en dash has specific uses that mean you will only see it occasionally. It is usually read as to or through, as in April–June, which we would read as April through June. When it is used, the en dash is often used in a range of dates (the January 1–March 31 quarter), a range of numbers (pages 15–20, children ages 5–9), and scores (Germany defeated Brazil 7–1). As well, the en dash is used to indicate relationships (the Lions–Tigers game) and conflicts (the Iran–Iraq War). And it’s used to indicate travel routes (the Atlanta–Chicago flight; the Main Street–12th Street bus). The en dash does not usually have a space before or after it. Check out this article for tips on how to use the en dash.
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
