question mark

noun

1
a
: something unknown, unknowable, or uncertain
b
: someone (such as an athlete) whose condition, talent, or potential for success is in doubt
2
: a mark ? used in writing and printing at the conclusion of a sentence to indicate a direct question

Examples of question mark in a Sentence

The team's pitching is a big question mark this season.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The real question mark is quarterback Jaxson Dart, whom New York picked later in the first round after a trade. Josh Kendall, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Every team, including the franchises that entered this year's draft with question marks at the quarterback position, passed on selecting the former Colorado quarterback in the first, second, third or fourth round. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Campbell is not without some question marks, however. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2025 The other potential question mark on the Huskies’ roster is Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr., who has been working out for NBA teams to gauge his draft interest and receive feedback. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for question mark

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of question mark was in 1862

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Question mark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/question%20mark. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

question mark

noun
: a punctuation mark ? used chiefly at the end of a sentence to indicate a direct question

More from Merriam-Webster on question mark

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!