What does "hyphen" mean?
The symbol "‐", typically used to join two or more words to form a compound term, or to indicate that a word has been split at the end of a line.
Hyphen
/ˈhaɪ.fən/ conj, noun, verb
conj, noun, verb ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The symbol "‐", typically used to join two or more words to form a compound term, or to indicate that a word has been split at the end of a line.
- Grammar: hyphen is listed as conj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: ascii hyphen, comma, dash, hyphen character.
- Useful contrasts: unhyphenate, unhyphenated text, unhyphenated word.
- Usage evidence: It would be great if I could use a hyphen in my username.
How to use "hyphen"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "hyphen" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "hyphen" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "hyphen" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "hyphen" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "hyphen" is acting as conj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ascii hyphen" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "hyphen", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The symbol "‐", typically used to join two or more words to form a compound term, or to indicate that a word has been split at the end of a line.
"As the proud owner of my very own hyphen in a lovingly crafted surname, I have an especial soft spot for this most confusing of punctuation marks."
- 2 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 wordnet
- 3 Something which links two things of greater significance than itself. figuratively
"Cunliffe and Karunanayake (2013) developed Fine's notion to introduce potential hyphen spaces that are deeply implicated and reciprocally influential in relationships between researchers and the researched."
- 4 Something which links two things of greater significance than itself.; An enclosed walkway or passage that connects two buildings. figuratively
"The hyphens were added, joining the structures into one building, which now measures just over two hundred feet long."
- 5 Someone who belongs to a marginalized subgroup, and can therefore described by a hyphenated term, such as "German-American", "female-academic", etc.
"Tab has been kept on quite a number of members who rapturously applauded when that part of the message in which the hyphens were attacked was read by the President."
Verb
- 1 To separate or punctuate with a hyphen; to hyphenate. dated, transitive
- 2 divide or connect with a hyphen wordnet
Conjunction
- 1 Used to emphasize the coordinating function usually indicated by the punctuation "-".
"You are sitting at the wrong table, if I may be so bold, among the misguided who believe in the mass murder of mentalities, otherwise known as the liberal arts hyphen vocational training hyphen education."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"It would be great if I could use a hyphen in my username."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "hyphen"?
Common synonyms include: ascii hyphen, comma, dash, hyphen character, hyphen sign, hyphenate.
How do you use "hyphen" in a sentence?
It would be great if I could use a hyphen in my username.
How do you pronounce "hyphen"?
Pronounced /ˈhaɪ.fən/.
Etymology
From Late Latin, from Ancient Greek ὑφέν (huphén, “together”), contracted from ὑφ’ ἕν (huph’ hén, “under one”), from ὑπό (hupó, “under”) + ἕν (hén, “one”), neuter of εἷς (heîs, “one”).