punctuate

[ puhngk-choo-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, punc·tu·at·ed, punc·tu·at·ing.

1. to mark or divide (something written) with punctuation marks in order to make the meaning clear.
2. to interrupt at intervals:

   Cheers punctuated the mayor's speech.

3. to give emphasis or force to; emphasize; underline.

verb (used without object)

, punc·tu·at·ed, punc·tu·at·ing.

1. to insert or use marks of punctuation.

punctuate

/ ˈpʌŋktjʊˌeɪt /

verb

1. also intr to insert punctuation marks into (a written text)
2. to interrupt or insert at frequent intervals

   a meeting punctuated by heckling

3. to give emphasis to

Derived Forms

• ˈpunctuˌator, noun

Other Words From

• punctu·ator noun
• non·punctu·ating adjective
• re·punctu·ate verb (used with object) repunctuated repunctuating
• un·punctu·ated adjective
• un·punctu·ating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of punctuate¹

1625–35; < Medieval Latin pūnctuātus (past participle of pūnctuāre to point), derivative of Latin pūnctus a pricking; punctual

Word History and Origins

Origin of punctuate¹

C17: from Medieval Latin punctuāre to prick, from Latin punctum a prick, from pungere to puncture

Example Sentences

James hit back-to-back threes in the fourth quarter — punctuating the second with his signature “silencer” celebration — as he stomped his feet in glee.

From Los Angeles Times

In the molecules of my memory, I hold on to the punctuated beauty of the flower because I believe in what it can accomplish, in what it returns, in what it allows room for.

From Los Angeles Times

The good news is a swipe left or the word "no" punctuated with a laugh will relieve them of this delusion.

From Salon

It is now "virtually certain" that 2024 - a year punctuated by intense heatwaves and deadly storms - will be the world's warmest on record, according to projections by the European climate service.

From BBC

She has spent much of the campaign slamming De León over his participation in a secretly recorded conversation punctuated by crude and racist remarks.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• interrupt
• intersperse
• pepper
• sprinkle
• underline