What does semicolon mean?
A semicolon is a punctuation mark that marks a pause stronger than a comma but less complete than a full stop. Its most established use is between independent clauses that are closely related, as in “She had finished the work; she went outside.” It can also separate complex items in a list when commas would create ambiguity. A semicolon signals that the elements belong together or are of comparable importance, so writers use it to clarify structure rather than merely to pause. It occurs in both British and American English, although informal usage sometimes treats it as a general-purpose list separator. Mastering the semicolon helps produce longer sentences that remain clear, particularly in formal writing, lists, and prose that links related clauses without giving each one the finality of a separate sentence.
punctuation mark (noun)A semicolon is a punctuation mark that separates closely related independent clauses or items in a list. It is used to show a relationship between the parts without creating the full pause suggested by a period.
- A punctuation mark used to separate closely related independent clauses, list items, or coordinated elements more distinctly than a comma would.
"The first half of the report was encouraging; the second revealed several serious problems."
"We could wait for the rain to stop; alternatively, we could leave early."
"The course list includes economics, history; languages, and statistics."
The plural is used when referring to more than one semicolon or when giving examples of the mark.
"The sentence contains two semicolons, both separating independent clauses."
The semicolon was once described as the “half-stop” between a comma and a full stop.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does semicolon come from?
The word semicolon comes from Greek sēmikolon, formed from semi-, meaning “half,” and kólon, meaning “member.” Greek punctuation used the term for a point representing a half-stop between words. English borrowed the term in the late 17th century as a name for the punctuation mark. The related English words colon, colony, and column also trace ultimately to forms associated with Greek kólon.
How semicolon is actually used
In standard British and American usage, a semicolon normally connects independent clauses or separates items in a series when commas might make the structure unclear. Informally, some speakers use semicolons as ordinary separators in short lists, although this style is often considered unnecessary or overly formal.
Easily confused with semicolon
A comma marks a smaller break between words, phrases, or list items, whereas a semicolon generally separates independent clauses or especially complex list items.
A colon introduces an explanation, quotation, or list after a complete statement, while a semicolon joins or separates related elements within a continuing statement.