question marks plural Also called interrogation point . Also called interrogation mark . a punctuation mark indicating a question: usually, as in English, the mark (?) placed after a question. Also called interrogation point . Also called interrogation mark . a punctuation mark indicating a question: usually, as in English, the mark (?) placed after a question. something unanswered or unknown. His identity is still a question mark to most of us. something unanswered or unknown. His identity is still a question mark to most of us. an anglewing butterfly, Polygonia interrogationis, having a silver marking that resembles a question mark on the underside of each hindwing. an anglewing butterfly, Polygonia interrogationis, having a silver marking that resembles a question mark on the underside of each hindwing. the punctuation mark ? , used at the end of questions and in other contexts where doubt or ignorance is implied the punctuation mark ? , used at the end of questions and in other contexts where doubt or ignorance is implied this mark used for any other purpose, as to draw attention to a possible mistake, as in a chess commentary this mark used for any other purpose, as to draw attention to a possible mistake, as in a chess commentary an element of doubt or uncertainty an element of doubt or uncertainty A punctuation mark (?) that follows a direct question: “Is Ralph really seven feet tall?” A punctuation mark (?) that follows a direct question: “Is Ralph really seven feet tall?” Other Word Forms Noun Inflected Forms question marks plural

Origin of question mark First recorded in 1865–70 Example Sentences Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com. See Examples For: "There was never a tiny question mark about it. It was complete commitment and alignment that Morgan stays here, also from his side," said the former Crystal Palace head coach. From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026 Later innovations introduced elements of narrative texture and tone, as when the question mark entered the repertoire over the eighth and ninth centuries. From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026 “I’ve been walking around with a question mark over my head,” Hopkins, 88, said during a recent interview at the Hotel Bel-Air. From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026 “We knew comedically she would crush it. The only question mark was about who she was as an actress,” says Lawrence. From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026 The question mark in his voice scared me. From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023 Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Join 14,000,000 vocabulary learners Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer. You'll remember them forever.