question mark

[kwes-chuhn mahrk]

noun

1. Also called interrogation point. Also called interrogation mark. a punctuation mark indicating a question: usually, as in English, the mark (?) placed after a question.

2. something unanswered or unknown.

   His identity is still a question mark to most of us.

3. an anglewing butterfly, Polygonia interrogationis, having a silver marking that resembles a question mark on the underside of each hindwing.

question mark

noun

1. the punctuation mark ? , used at the end of questions and in other contexts where doubt or ignorance is implied

2. this mark used for any other purpose, as to draw attention to a possible mistake, as in a chess commentary

3. an element of doubt or uncertainty

question mark

1. A punctuation mark (?) that follows a direct question: “Is Ralph really seven feet tall?”

Word History and Origins

Origin of question mark¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

What was supposed to be a much-improved offensive line — with the interior, a liability last season, addressed — remains a question mark, as injuries forced a reshuffle.

From Los Angeles Times

The only real question mark in his game is how quickly he gets his shots off.

From BBC

On “Chains and Whips,” Pusha T opens up lethally: “The question marks block your blessings / There’s no tombstones in the desert / I know by now you get the message.”

From Los Angeles Times

A big question mark, though, remains over what Russia will accept as security guarantees for Ukraine.

From BBC

Of course there are still some question marks over United - they clearly were not perfect because they lost.

From BBC

Related Words

• conundrum 
• puzzle