question mark

[ kwes-chuhn mahrk ]

noun

1. Also called interrogation point, 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.

question mark

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

question mark

1. A punctuation mark (?) that follows a direct question: “Is Ralph really seven feet tall?”

Word History and Origins

Origin of question mark¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

LocalThunk rarely gives interviews and keeps his real identity a secret - so there's a question mark over whether he'd attend on the night.

From BBC

There were question marks on the legitimacy of this fight and how seriously both men would take it, but Tyson said he "came to fight".

From BBC

With Paul reported to be earning about £31m and Tyson's purse half that, there are question marks around the motivations behind this match-up.

From BBC

Not only is the future of US military aid now insecure, there’s a question mark too over Ukraine’s second largest donor, Germany.

From BBC

“There are so many question marks, and it’s very easy for the fleets to just say, ‘You know what?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• conundrum
• puzzle