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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 Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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