hyphen

(noun)

The symbol "-", typically used to join two or more words to form a new word.

Related Terms

Examples of hyphen in the following topics:

  • Hyphens

    • Hyphens are often used to connect two words into a single term.
    • Hyphens ("-") connect two words to make a single word.
    • However, when the adverb ends with -ly, a hyphen should not be used.
    • It is not always necessary to use a hyphenated word.
    • Sentences can be rearranged to avoid the need for a hyphen.

  • Adverbs

    • Hyphens can be used to combine an adverb and adjective to describe a noun.
    • However, when the adverb ends with -ly, a hyphen should not be used.
    • If the hyphen was removed from any of these examples the phrase would take on a different meaning.
    • The hyphen is what makes sure that "best" describes "known" rather than "author."

  • Em-Dashes and En-Dashes

    • An exception to the use of en dashes is made, however, when combined with an already hyphenated compound.
    • Use a hyphen instead.

  • Adjectives

    • But other times, the adjectives combine to become one adjective joined by a hyphen.
    • As you can see, the hyphen completely changes the meaning of the phrase by combining two words into one.

  • MLA: The Works Cited Section

    • List the page numbers of the article, followed by a period [note that the dash between the first and second numbers is an en-dash (–), not a hyphen (-) or em-dash (—)]:
    • Then, replace the author's name (or list of names) with three hyphens, followed by a period, for all but the first entry by that author:

  • Chicago/Turabian (NB): The Bibliography Section

    • Finally, list the page numbers of the article, followed by a period [note that the dash between the first and second numbers is an en-dash (–), NOT a hyphen (-) or em-dash (—)]:

  • Chicago/Turabian (Author–Date): The References Section

    • Finally, list the page numbers of the article, followed by a period [note that the dash between the first and second numbers is an en-dash (–), NOT a hyphen (-) or em-dash (—)]:

  • APA: The References Section

    • Finally, list the page numbers of the article, followed by a period [note that the dash between the first and second numbers is an en-dash (–), not a hyphen (-) or em-dash (—)]: