question mark
Americannoun
-
Also called interrogation point. Also called interrogation mark. a punctuation mark indicating a question: usually, as in English, the mark (?) placed after a question.
-
something unanswered or unknown.
His identity is still a question mark to most of us.
-
an anglewing butterfly, Polygonia interrogationis, having a silver marking that resembles a question mark on the underside of each hindwing.
noun
-
the punctuation mark ? , used at the end of questions and in other contexts where doubt or ignorance is implied
-
this mark used for any other purpose, as to draw attention to a possible mistake, as in a chess commentary
-
an element of doubt or uncertainty
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.
“There may be some benefits to you personally, but there will always be a question mark around you and your success.”
Aston Martin are in such dire straits that there is a significant question mark about which of the two will be slowest in Melbourne.
From BBC
I was pleased for him because he has had a few question marks over his form recently, and we know he is a super talent.
From BBC
The New York Times stake, as noted, looks like a question mark as to which Berkshire manager bought it.
From Barron's
Additionally, we do not know how long we will stay in this house — that is a big question mark for us.
From MarketWatch
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.
