Comma

/ˈkɒmə/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A punctuation mark (,) used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

Please bring the following items: apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.

A mark used to denote the decimal point in some countries.

In Germany, €20,50 is used instead of €20.50.

In music notation, a symbol indicating a pause in the music.

The composer added a comma in the score to indicate a pause.

From Latin 'comma', from Greek 'kommata', which means 'a piece cut off'.

comma splice:

An error in which two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

in a nutshell:

A brief summary, often following a comma for clarity.

A pause in conversation or thought.

He talked for so long I needed a comma to catch up.