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hyphen

/ˈhaɪfən/
/ˈhaɪfɪn/
IPA guide

Other forms: hyphens; hyphened

When you're writing, a hyphen is useful for forming a compound word or separating the syllables of a word at the end of a line of text. The word merry-go-round uses two hyphens.

Often, when you join shorter individual words into one more complicated, compound word, you use a hyphen. Words like twentieth-century, well-intentioned, and high-risk are examples of hyphenated compounds. Hyphen is a Greek word that means "mark joining two syllables or words," which most likely was originally used to describe the way words should be sung.

Definitions of hyphen
  1. noun
    a punctuation mark (-) used between parts of a compound word or between the syllables of a word when the word is divided at the end of a line of text
    synonyms: dash
    see moresee less
    type of:
    punctuation, punctuation mark
    the marks used to clarify meaning by indicating separation of words into sentences and clauses and phrases
  2. verb
    divide or connect with a hyphen
    synonyms: hyphenate
    see moresee less
    type of:
    spell, write
    write or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word)
Pronunciation
US
/ˈhaɪfən/
UK
/ˈhaɪfɪn/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘hyphen'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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