hyphen Meaning & Definition
What Does Hyphen Mean?
Hyphen is a noun that means a punctuation mark - used especially to divide or to compound words, word elements, or numbers. As a verb, it means hyphenate.
Hyphen at a Glance
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈhī-fən/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | dash and hyphenate |
| Plural | hyphens |
| Verb forms | hyphens, hyphening, hyphened |
Hyphen Definition (Noun)
- a punctuation mark - used especially to divide or to compound words, word elements, or numbers
Hyphen as a Verb
- hyphenate
Synonyms of Hyphen
Hyphen synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
hy·phen·less adjective
hyphen
hyphenless
hyphens
hy·phened
hy·phen·ing
hy·phens
hyphened
hyphening
hyphen (plural hyphens)
hyphen (third-person singular simple present hyphens, present participle hyphening, simple past and past participle hyphened)
Words That Rhyme With Hyphen
Origin of Hyphen
Origin 1: Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin, from Greek, from hyph' hen under one, from hypo under + hen, neuter of heis one up, same
Origin 2: Learned borrowing from Late Latin hyphen, from Ancient Greek ῠ̔φέν (hŭphén, “in one, as a single word”), univerbation of ῠ̔φ’ ἕν (hŭph’ hén, “under one”), from ῠ̔πο- (hŭpo-, “under”) + ἕν (hén, “one”), neuter of εἷς (heîs, “one”).
First Known Use
circa 1620
1814
How to Pronounce Hyphen
Hyphen is pronounced /ˈhī-fən/ and has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (hī).
Quick Answers About Hyphen
Is hyphen a noun or a verb?
Hyphen is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for hyphen?
Words with a similar meaning to hyphen include dash and hyphenate. See the full list of hyphen synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of hyphen?
The plural of hyphen is hyphens.
What is the past tense of hyphen?
The past tense of hyphen is hyphened. The present participle is hyphening.