ampersand

[ am-per-sand, am-per-sand ]

noun

1. a character or symbol (& or ) for and :

   Smith & Jones, Inc.

ampersand

/ ˈæmpəˌsænd /

noun

1. the character (&), meaning and

   John Brown & Co

ampersand

1. A symbol (see also symbol ) for and (&), as in Dun & Bradstreet.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ampersand¹

1820–30; contraction of and per se and literally, (the symbol) & by itself (stands for) and; per se

Word History and Origins

Origin of ampersand¹

C19: shortened from and per se and, that is, the symbol & by itself (represents) and

Example Sentences

The Craft & Folk Art Museum lost an ampersand but gained a new identity.

From Los Angeles Times

The only thing missing is the word “Mercantile” and an ampersand to complete this Brooklyn-chic vibe.

From Seattle Times

I like wine and beer, and I pretty much only drink cocktails that contain ampersands.

From Salon

Bethanne Patrick’s January picks cover train wrecks, political drama, enraging inequality, the complications of polyamory and the joy of the ampersand.

From Los Angeles Times

Bethanne Patrick’s January picks cover train wrecks, political drama, enraging inequality, the complications of polyamory and the joy of the ampersand.

From Los Angeles Times