Question Mark Definition & Meaning

American

British

Cultural

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms question mark American [kwes-chuhn mahrk] / ˈkwɛs tʃən ˌmɑrk /

noun

1. Also called interrogation point. Also called interrogation mark. a punctuation mark indicating a question: usually, as in English, the mark (?) placed after a question.

2. something unanswered or unknown.

   His identity is still a question mark to most of us.

3. an anglewing butterfly, Polygonia interrogationis, having a silver marking that resembles a question mark on the underside of each hindwing.

question mark British

noun

1. the punctuation mark ? , used at the end of questions and in other contexts where doubt or ignorance is implied

2. this mark used for any other purpose, as to draw attention to a possible mistake, as in a chess commentary

3. an element of doubt or uncertainty

"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 question mark Cultural

1. A punctuation mark (?) that follows a direct question: “Is Ralph really seven feet tall?”

Etymology

Origin of question mark

First recorded in 1865–70

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.

Neither pill is thought to be as effective as the injectables already on the market, and insurance coverage remains a question mark.

From Barron's

But there's a question mark over Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Streisand who played Stiller's parents in previous films.

From BBC

Despite the wicket helping the bowlers, Vaughan felt "indifferent batting" contributed to the low scores, with "question marks" over the technique of modern players.

From BBC

"There were a lot of question marks around his ability or whatever it may be coming out to Australia, and he's put in a great effort for the team."

From BBC

However, there are also likely to be question marks over Romero's suitability as the club's captain.

From BBC

Related Words

• conundrum
• puzzle

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.