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Definition of semicolon

semicolon

/ˈsɛm.iˌkoʊ.lən/
sem · i · co · lon
Plural:semicolons
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semicolon Lexical Profile

semicolon Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A punctuation mark (;) indicating a pause, typically used between two closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list that already contains commas.

Example

"The editor inserted a semicolon to link the two independent clauses without using a coordinating conjunction."

2

In computer programming, a character (;) used in many programming languages to mark the end of an executable statement or declaration.

Example

"The compiler threw a syntax error because the developer forgot a semicolon at the end of the line."

Word Nuance & Usage

A semicolon joins two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, whereas a colon introduces an explanation, quotation, or list.

• Nearby Words

semibold
semicircle
semicircular
semicolon
semiconductor
semiconscious
semiconsciously

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 16th century from the Latin prefix 'semi-' (meaning 'half') and 'colon' (from Ancient Greek 'kolon', meaning a limb or clause of a sentence); the mark itself was introduced into printed type by the Venetian printer Aldus Manutius in 1494.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Semicolon. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/semicolon
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