asterisk

American  

[as-tuh-risk] / ˈæs tə rɪsk /

noun

1. a small starlike symbol (*), used in writing and printing as a reference mark or to indicate omission, doubtful matter, etc.

2. Linguistics. the figure of a star (*) used to mark an utterance that would be considered ungrammatical or otherwise unacceptable by native speakers of a language, as in

   * I enjoy to ski.

3. Historical Linguistics. the figure of a star (*) used to mark a hypothetical or reconstructed form that is not attested in a text or inscription.

4. something in the shape of a star or asterisk.

5. any factor or element that makes an otherwise outstanding achievement somewhat doubtful or less impressive.

   Two favorites were injured in practice, so his win comes with an asterisk attached.

6. a minor or insignificant person or thing.

   his unlikely rise from an asterisk in the polls to the winning candidate.

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verb (used with object)

1. to mark with an asterisk.

asterisk British  

/ ˈæstərɪsk /

noun

1. a star-shaped character (*) used in printing or writing to indicate a cross-reference to a footnote, an omission, etc

2. 1. (in historical linguistics) this sign used to indicate an unattested reconstructed form

   2. (in descriptive linguistics) this sign used to indicate that an expression is ungrammatical or in some other way unacceptable

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verb

1. (tr) to mark with an asterisk

Pronunciation

While asterisk is usually said as , with the in the final syllable preceding the , a metathesized pronunciation is also heard, in which the and change places producing . This pronunciation, resulting in part from analogy with plural forms like kicks and sticks, can sometimes lead to a false analysis of as a plural pronunciation, with a corresponding singular . The metathesized pronunciation, although occasionally heard among educated speakers, is usually considered nonstandard, as is the pronunciation of the singular form with no in the final syllable.

Etymology

Origin of asterisk

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin asteriscus < Greek asterískos, diminutive of astḗr star

Explanation

When you're writing something and need to add a quick footnote, an easy way to mark the place where you want to include the extra comment is to use an asterisk, a star-shaped symbol. An asterisk is a punctuation mark that you can use to note something in writing, or to stand in for something you've left out. Often a writer uses an asterisk when she wants to add something but doesn't want to include it in the body of the story; the reader sees the asterisk, and finds another one at the bottom of the page beside the note. In Greek, asterikos means "little star," which perfectly describes what an asterisk looks like.

Example Sentences

The upswing from February requires a little asterisk.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

The decline in the unemployment rate came with an asterisk: The labor force shrank by nearly 400,000 people, meaning fewer Americans were counted as unemployed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

If ever there was justification for an asterisk next to a record, his illegitimate assault on a scoring record is it.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

It highlights unsettling elements, such as Letby responding "no comment" to police questions while in custody, and excerpts from her diary where dates coinciding with the babies' deaths are marked with an asterisk.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

I’d hoped to understand the story about Saul and Jonas, put a medical asterisk on that family legend, but if family is important, then the next generation has to get their chance.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste