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

The question mark that hovers over the Supreme Court in the years ahead is straightforward.

From Slate

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

Harris’ campaign tweeted a video of the moment along with a single question mark.

From Los Angeles Times

“There is no question mark,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“It just felt that the Turn Four was a bit more a question mark,” Verstappen said.

From BBC

Related Words

• conundrum
• puzzle