hyphen

1 of 2noun

/ˈhaɪfən/

Forms:hyphens

a small line used to connect words or parts of words

A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark used to join words or parts of words together. It often connects two or more words to form a compound adjective, such as "well-known author" or "high-quality product." Hyphens can also be used to split a word at the end of a line when there is not enough space for the whole word, allowing for better text alignment. Additionally, they serve to indicate ranges, like in "pages 10-15." By clarifying relationships between words and improving readability, hyphens play a key role in written language.

In compound words like 'mother-in-law' and 'self-esteem,' a hyphen is used to connect the different parts of the word.
He emphasized the importance of using a hyphen to avoid ambiguity in phrases like 'man-eating shark' versus 'man eating shark.
When writing out fractions, a hyphen is often used to separate the numerator from the denominator, as in 'three-fourths.
In some cases, a hyphen is used to clarify the meaning of a phrase, such as 're-sign' (to sign again) versus 'resign' (to quit).
She carefully placed a hyphen between the syllables of the word 'co-operate' to show that it is pronounced as two separate units.

Synonyms:

dash