Meaning & use
hyphenate
Last updated
Meanings
verbtransitive
To write two words or word parts joined with a hyphen, or to split a word with a hyphen at the end of a line.
Grammar: Takes an object: hyphenate the compound.
Patterns
- hyphenate something
- hyphenate a word at the end of a line
You should hyphenate a compound adjective such as well-known author.
The software will hyphenate long words automatically at the margin.
Do we hyphenate this term, or write it as two words?
verbtransitive
To combine two surnames with a hyphen, usually after marriage.
Grammar: Often used with names: she decided to hyphenate her last name.
Patterns
- hyphenate your name
- hyphenate surnames
After the wedding, they chose to hyphenate their surnames.
She will hyphenate her name to keep both families.
Some parents hyphenate so the child carries both names.
Word forms
| third person singular | hyphenates |
|---|---|
| past tense | hyphenated |
| past participle | hyphenated |
| -ing form | hyphenating |
Common combinations
- hyphenate a word
- Don't hyphenate a word that is already a single term.
- hyphenate a surname
- He agreed to hyphenate his surname after the wedding.
- hyphenate a compound
- Hyphenate a compound modifier before a noun.
- automatically hyphenate
- The word processor can automatically hyphenate text.
- hyphenate at the end of a line
- You may hyphenate at the end of a line between syllables.
Synonyms and how they differ
- join
- Join is a general word for connecting anything, while hyphenate refers only to using a hyphen.
- link
- Link is broader and can connect ideas or objects, not just written words.
- double-barrel
- Double-barrel is a British term used only for making a surname from two names, and is narrower than hyphenate.
Opposites
Word family
- hyphen noun
- the short mark used to join words
- hyphenation noun
- the use of hyphens, especially to break words
- hyphenated adjective
- written with a hyphen
- unhyphenated adjective
- written without a hyphen
Commonly confused: hyphenate or hyphen / dash?
hyphenate vs hyphen / dash
A hyphen joins words or word parts, whereas a dash is longer and sets off extra information in a sentence.
Practice
Which sentence uses hyphenate correctly?
Choose one answer.
Hyphenate means to join with a hyphen, which can apply to surnames. The other sentences use it for things that are not written text.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “hyphenate”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.