# punctuated

/ˈpəŋktʃuˌeɪtɪd/ (US) · /pˈʌŋktʃuːˌeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/punctuated
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to mark something with small marks like periods or commas. It can also mean to break something into short, sharp parts.

For teachers: to mark a text with punctuation; to break a continuous process or sequence into distinct, sharp intervals. Transitive — requires a direct object.

## Examples

- The teacher asked the students to punctuate their sentences correctly.
- The long, quiet afternoon was punctuated by the occasional sound of a passing train.
- The speaker's monologue was punctuated by brief pauses that allowed the audience to absorb the gravity of the previous statement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.