Dictionary

punctuate

verb punc·tu·ate \ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt\

: to use punctuation marks in (a piece of writing)

: to interrupt or occur in (something) repeatedly

punc·tu·at·edpunc·tu·at·ing

Full Definition of PUNCTUATE

transitive verb
1
:  to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks
2
:  to break into or interrupt at intervals <the steady click of her needles punctuated the silence — Edith Wharton>
intransitive verb
:  to use punctuation marks
punc·tu·a·tor \-ˌwā-tər\ noun
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Origin of PUNCTUATE

Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point
First Known Use: circa 1766

Rhymes with PUNCTUATE

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PUNCTUATE Defined for Kids

punctuate

verb punc·tu·ate \ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt\
punc·tu·at·edpunc·tu·at·ing

Definition of PUNCTUATE for Kids

1
:  to add punctuation marks to writing
2
:  to interrupt or occur in repeatedly <His speech was punctuated by applause.>
3
:  to give emphasis to <She kept talking, using her hands sometimes to punctuate a point. — Brian Selznick, Wonderstruck>

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