hyphen

[US]/ˈhaɪfn/
[UK]/ˈhaɪfn/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vt. to connect with a hyphen
n. a hyphen

Phrases & Collocations

hyphenated word

use a hyphen

Example Sentences

There are no hard and fast rules about the use of hyphens in English.

Override preset switches by prefixing any switch with - (hyphen)--for example, /-W.

Please use a hyphen to connect compound words.

The email address is separated by a hyphen.

She has a love-hate relationship with her job.

The up-to-date information is crucial for the project.

He is a well-known actor in the industry.

The mother-in-law visited us last weekend.

The runner-up received a silver medal.

The self-made millionaire started his business from scratch.

The high school student is preparing for the college entrance exam.

Please remember to double-check your work before submitting it.

Real-world Examples

Notice that the noun form does not use a hyphen.

Source: VOA Special November 2021 Collection

Always check your dictionary if you are unsure if a compound noun requires a hyphen.

Source: VOA Special March 2023 Collection

No, hang on. Okay, one word, a letter and a number and... maybe a hyphen. 3D printer.

Source: The Big Bang Theory Season 6

If you have used bullets, replace them with hyphens.

Source: Job Interview English Speaking Practice

Notice that both 15-foot and 10-foot come before the noun and there is a hyphen between the words.

Source: VOA Special November 2021 Collection

You can say a three-week trip and here you don't need an s but you need a hyphen.

Source: Fastrack IELTS Speaking High Score Secrets

Even though these are two different words, the hyphen makes it one word.

Source: IELTS Reading Preparation Guide

'Ultra' is added to adjectives, using a hyphen but not always.

Source: Learn English by following hot topics.

So a word like open-minded is joined together by a hyphen.

Source: IELTS Reading Preparation Guide

A hyphen is required for compound nouns made from two nouns.

Source: VOA Special March 2023 Collection

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