Asterisk Definition & Meaning

American

British

Pronunciation

Etymology

Examples

Synonyms 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.

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

1. (tr) to mark with an asterisk

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If the sequel is anything less than stellar, it stands to diminish the greatness of the original film just by association, becoming a “remember when they tried that?” asterisk on a truly special movie.

From Salon

But any suggestion this was a diminished spectacle, and one that should historically be marked with an asterisk as not a proper Test, is wide of the mark.

From BBC

"All told this is a positive report, that comes with an asterisk," he said.

From BBC

Brekke’s commitment to preserving the pleasures of theatergoing has made the Mayer a local sensation, but with a large asterisk looming overhead.

From Salon

Green festooned his post with lots of hand-waving and magic asterisks to accommodate changes in American lifestyles over the ensuing six decades and come up with his $140,000 standard.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.