Dictionary
semicolon
noun semi·co·lon \ˈse-mē-ˌkō-lən, ˈse-ˌmī-, -mi-\
: the punctuation mark ; that is used to separate major parts in a sentence and to separate items in a series if the items contain commas
Full Definition of SEMICOLON
: a punctuation mark ; used chiefly in a coordinating function between major sentence elements (as independent clauses of a compound sentence)
See semicolon defined for English-language learners
See semicolon defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of SEMICOLON
1644
SEMICOLON Defined for Kids
semicolon
noun semi·co·lon \ˈse-mi-ˌkō-lən\
Definition of SEMICOLON for Kids
: a punctuation mark ; that can be used to separate parts of a sentence which need clearer separation than would be shown by a comma, to separate main clauses which have no conjunction between, and to separate phrases and clauses containing commas
Learn More About SEMICOLON
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: semicolon butterflyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: semicokeAll Words Near: semicolon
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up semicolon? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).