Let’s explore a comprehensive list of symbols, each with its own unique name in English. From mathematical symbols to punctuation marks and beyond, this collection encompasses a wide array of symbols and their names, shedding light on their significance and usage in various contexts. Symbols serve as the cornerstone of communication and data processing. They convey messages through diverse forms like words, letters, sounds, visual images, and more. For instance, a red octagon signifies ‘stop,’ while a green octagon indicates ‘go.’ These symbols streamline communication, offering enhanced ways to depict concepts. Let’s delve further into the names of symbols in English.
Glyphs refer to the precise shapes of these characters in technical jargon. Each glyph name is accompanied by its Unicode, HTML entity, ASCII code, and HTML entity. Additionally, I’ve included the Windows ALT keystroke and its Mac equivalent for inserting these characters into text. So, what do we call these symbols in English? Explore the comprehensive list of symbol names in English. Let’s delve into discussing the names of each sign on the complete list of symbols.
50+ List of Symbol name in English
50+ Symbols Names in English List
| Sr. No | Symbol | Name of the Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | , | Comma |
| 2. | . | Full Stop |
| 3. | / | Slash |
| 4. | ; | Semicolon |
| 5. | ” “ | Quotation Mark |
| 6. | ? | Question Mark |
| 7. | ( ) | Parentheses |
| 8. | – | Hyphen |
| 9. | ! | Exclamation Mark |
| 10. | … | Ellipsis |
| 11. | : | Colon |
| 12. | [ ] | Square Bracket |
| 13. | { } | Curly Brackets |
| 14. | ‘ | Apostrophe |
| 15. | % | Percent |
| 16. | & | And |
| 17. | > | Greater Than |
| 18. | < | Less than |
| 19. | @ | At the rate sign |
| 20. | = | Equal |
| 21. | # | Hash |
| 22. | _ | Underscore |
| 23. | | | Bar |
| 24. | © | Copyright Symbol |
| 25. | ● | Bullet |
| 26. | ≈ | Almost equal to |
| 27. | ⟨ ⟩ | Angle brackets |
| 28. | * | Asterisk |
| 29. | \ | Backslash |
| 30. | ^ | circumflex |
| 31. | ¤ | Currency sign |
| 32. | ⌀ | Diameter |
| 33. | ÷ | Division sign |
| 34. | ℮ | Estimated sign |
| 35. | « » | Guillemet |
| 36. | ¡ | Inverted exclamation mark |
| 37. | ¿ | Inverted question mark |
| 37. | ¶ | Pilcrow |
| 39. | ® | Registered trademark |
| 40 | § | Silcrow |
| 41. | ℗ | Sound recording copyright symbol |
| 42. | ™ | Trademark symbol |
| 43. | ⁀ | Tie |
| 44. | ∴ | Therefore sign |
| 45. | ℠ | Service mark symbol |
| 46. | ± | Plus-minus sign |
| 47. | ‰ | Per mille |
| 48. | № | Numero sign |
| 49. | × | Multiplication sign |
| 50. | ⁂ | Asterism |
Description of Symbol name in English
Here with a concise overview of English symbol names.
Full stop / Period .
A full stop, also known as a period in American English, is a punctuation mark (.) used to indicate the
end of a sentence in written language. It denotes a complete pause, signalling the conclusion of a
thought or statement. In addition to ending declarative sentences, it's used in abbreviations, initials,
and in some numerical instances, such as decimals. The full stop helps to structure written language,
aiding in clarity and understanding by creating distinct sentence boundaries.
Comma ;
A comma (,) is a versatile punctuation mark used to create pauses within sentences, separating
distinct elements or clarifying the structure of a sentence. Its primary functions include:
1. Separating Items in a List: Commas are used to separate items in a list, like "apples, oranges,
and bananas."
2. Separating Independent Clauses: When connecting two independent clauses with a
coordinating conjunction (such as 'and', 'but', 'or'), a comma is used before the conjunction.
For instance, "She likes to read, and he prefers to write."
3. Setting Off Introductory Elements: Commas are placed after introductory phrases or words
at the beginning of sentences. For example, "After a long day, I went for a walk."
4. Setting Off Non-Essential Information: They are used to offset non-essential or non-
restrictive information in a sentence. For instance, "My dog, a golden retriever, loves to
play."
Commas help in improving readability, indicating natural pauses, and clarifying the structure of
sentences. However, their placement can sometimes change the meaning of a sentence, making
proper comma usage important in written communication.
Colon :
A colon (:) is a punctuation mark with several specific uses in written language:
1. Introducing Lists: Colons are used to introduce lists, explanations, or elaborations. For
example, "Please bring the following items: bread, milk, and eggs."
A picture of a Comma
2. Introducing Quotations: They can precede a quotation, explanation, or a direct speech in
dialogue. For instance, "The teacher said: 'Study hard for your exams.'"
3. Separating Time in Numerals: Colons are used to separate hours from minutes in time
notation, such as 9:30 (nine thirty).
4. Introducing Subtitles or Titles: In writing titles or subtitles, a colon is often used to separate
the main title from a subtitle. For example, "The Art of Cooking: A Comprehensive Guide."
The colon indicates that what follows it is directly related to, elaborates on, or lists items related to
what precedes it. It's a useful punctuation mark for creating emphasis, introducing information, or
signaling a relationship between ideas.
Ellipsis ...
An ellipsis (…) is a punctuation mark consisting of three dots that indicates an omission of words, a
pause, or a trailing off of thought in a sentence. Its primary uses include:
1. Omissions in Quotations: When quoting text but omitting some part of it, an ellipsis
indicates where words have been removed. For example, "The famous line reads: 'To be or
not to … that is the question.'"
2. Trailing Off or Indicating a Pause: In informal writing or dialogue, an ellipsis can suggest a
trailing off of speech or a pause for effect. For instance, "I was just thinking… never mind."
3. Indicating Unfinished Thoughts: It can also imply an unfinished sentence or thought, leaving
something open-ended. For example, "Well, I thought we could… but maybe not."
The ellipsis helps convey a sense of continuation, hesitation, or omission in writing, allowing for a
more conversational or reflective tone. However, it's essential to use ellipses judiciously to maintain
clarity and avoid ambiguity in written communication.
Curly Brackets { }
Curly Brackets are a type of bracket that has a curvy
Curly brackets, also known as braces or "{}," are a pair of punctuation marks characterized by their
curved or wavy shape. They are used in pairs to group items together, particularly in mathematical
expressions, programming languages, and to denote sets or to indicate content within a block of
text. They are represented by the symbols "{" and "}".
Bracket, Square [ ]
Square brackets, also known simply as brackets in some regions, are a pair of punctuation marks "["
and "]" that have a square or box-like shape. They are used for various purposes in writing:
1. Clarity in Quotations: They can be used within quotations to add explanatory or clarifying
information. For example, "She [the teacher] explained the concept thoroughly."
2. Incorporating Corrections or Additions: Square brackets are used when inserting editorial
comments, corrections, or additional information into quoted text. For instance, "The author
wrote, 'Her [the protagonist's] determination was inspiring.'"
3. Mathematical Expressions: In mathematics, square brackets are used to denote the floor or
greatest integer function, among other mathematical operations.
Square brackets help provide context, clarity, and additional information within written text,
particularly in quotations or mathematical expressions.
< (Fewer Than Symbol)
The "fewer than" symbol is represented as "<" in mathematics and commonly used to denote that
one quantity is smaller or less than another. It's part of mathematical inequalities and is read as "is
less than" or "is smaller than." For example, "5 < 10" means "5 is less than 10.
≤
The symbol used for comparison is "≤" which represents "less than or equal to." It signifies that one
value is either less than or equal to another. For instance, "5 ≤ 5" means "5 is less than or equal to 5.
≥
The "greater than" symbol is represented as ">" in mathematics and is used to denote that one
quantity is larger or greater than another. It signifies that the value on the left side of the symbol is
larger than the value on the right side. For example, "10 > 5" means "10 is greater than 5."
Equal =
The equal sign, represented as "=", is a fundamental symbol in mathematics that denotes equality
between two expressions or values. It indicates that the quantities or expressions on either side of
the sign are equivalent or have the same value. For example, "2 + 3 = 5" signifies that the sum of 2
and 3 is equal to 5. The equal sign is essential in equations, mathematical statements, and
expressions to express balance or equivalence between different quantities.
At @
The “@” symbol, pronounced “at,” has various uses across different contexts:
- Email Addresses: In email addresses, the “@” symbol is used to separate the recipient’s name from the domain name. For example, in “example@email.com,” the “@” separates the recipient’s name (“example”) from the domain name (“email.com”).
- Social Media Handles: On social media platforms, “@” is used to tag or mention other users. For instance, “@Username” in a tweet or post will notify or reference that specific user.
- Programming: In some programming languages, “@” is used for various purposes, such as declaring variables or accessing specific elements in data structures.
The “@” symbol has evolved into a multi-functional character used extensively in digital communication, programming, and social media contexts.
Hash #
The "hash" symbol, represented as "#," has various uses depending on the context:
1. Number Sign: In some regions, it's referred to as the "number sign" and is used before a
numeral to denote a number. For instance, "#1" can indicate "number one."
2. Hashtag: In social media, the hash symbol is used to create a hashtag. When added before a
word or phrase without spaces, it turns it into a clickable link, allowing users to explore
related content. For example, "#ThrowbackThursday" in a post groups it with other content
related to "Throwback Thursday."
3. Programming: In programming languages like Python or JavaScript, the hash symbol may
represent comments within code. Anything following the "#" on a line is considered a
comment and is not executed by the program.
The usage of the hash symbol varies across different contexts, including language, social media, and
programming, each with its own specific purpose.
Bullet .
A bullet symbol is a small, typically round character used to create a list or highlight items in a
sequence without implying any specific order or hierarchy. It's commonly represented as a small
solid circle (●) or a filled-in dot (•). Bullets are used to organize information in a clear and concise
manner, often in lists, providing visual markers for each item. They are employed in various
contexts, such as presentations, documents, and note-taking, to delineate key points or elements
within a set.
Underscore _
The underscore symbol (_) is a character commonly used in computer programming, writing, and file
naming conventions. Its primary uses include:
1. Space Replacement: It's used as a space substitute in certain contexts, especially in file
names or usernames where spaces aren't allowed. For instance, "file_name" instead of "file
name."
2. Variable Naming in Programming: Underscores are often used in programming languages to
name variables, especially in languages like Python, where underscores separate words in
variable names for readability. For example, "first_name" or "total_amount."
3. Emphasis in Writing: In informal writing or online communication, underscores can
sometimes be used to emphasize or highlight specific words or phrases.
The underscore character serves various purposes in different contexts, primarily aiding in
readability, file naming conventions, and variable naming in programming languages.
Bar/Pipe |
1. Vertical Bar or Pipe (|): In computing and programming, the vertical bar or
pipe symbol (|) is used to denote logical OR operations, as well as for
separating commands or functions in command-line interfaces or
programming languages.
2. Horizontal Bar (— or ―): It represents a horizontal line, often used to
separate content or sections in writing, as a divider between sections in
documents or to indicate a range in values.
Symbol for Copyright ©
The symbol for copyright is ©. It is represented by the letter "C" enclosed in a circle: ©. This symbol
is used to indicate that a particular work or content is copyrighted, meaning it is protected by
copyright laws, and the rights to reproduce, distribute, and use the work are reserved to the
copyright holder. It's commonly used on various creative works, such as books, music, artwork, and
other intellectual property to signify copyright ownership.
Apostrophe ´
The apostrophe (') is a punctuation mark used for various purposes in writing:
1. Contraction: It's used to indicate omitted letters in contractions, such as "can't" (contraction
of "cannot") or "don't" (contraction of "do not").
2. Possession: When used before or after an "s," the apostrophe indicates possession or
ownership, such as "John's book" (indicating the book belonging to John).
3. Pluralization in Certain Cases: In rare instances, the apostrophe is used in forming plural
forms of certain words, particularly in pluralizing letters or numbers, like "mind your p's and
q's" or "the 1980's fashion."
The apostrophe is a versatile punctuation mark that plays a crucial role in indicating contractions,
possession, and, in specific cases, forming plurals.
Percentage %
The percentage symbol (%) is used to denote a proportion or a part of a whole, where 100 parts
make up the whole. It represents a fraction of 100, often used to express proportions, rates, or
comparisons in various contexts, including mathematics, finance, statistics, and everyday
communication. For example, 25% represents 25 parts out of 100, which is equivalent to one-fourth
or 0.25 when expressed as a decimal. Percentages are commonly used to describe discounts,
interest rates, proportions, and changes in quantities relative to a whole.
And &
The "and" symbol, represented as "&," is a logogram character combining the letters 'e' and 't' from
the Latin word "et," meaning "and." It serves as a shorthand for the word "and" and is commonly
used in various contexts:
1. Writing: It's used in place of the word "and" to join words or phrases in a more compact
form, such as "bread & butter" instead of "bread and butter."
2. Business Names: "&" is often used in the names of companies or businesses, like "Smith &
Co."
3. Design and Typography: It's frequently used in graphic design, typography, and logos to
create a visually compact representation of the word "and."
The "&" symbol's usage offers brevity and visual appeal in written and visual communication,
especially when space or style considerations are important.
Slash /
The slash symbol (/) has various uses across different contexts:
1. Separation or Alternation: It's used to indicate a choice, separation, or alternative between
two options. For instance, "and/or" indicates the possibility of using either "and" or "or."
2. Fractions: In written form, the slash is used to represent fractions, such as 1/2 for one-half
or 3/4 for three-quarters.
3. Date Notation: In date formats, the slash can signify a division between day, month, and
year. For example, "10/25/2023" represents October 25, 2023.
4. File Paths or URLs: In computing, the slash is commonly used in file paths (directory
structures) and URLs to separate directories or specify website paths.
5. Abbreviations: The slash is occasionally used in informal writing for abbreviations or
contractions, like "w/o" for "without" or "c/o" for "care of."
The slash symbol's versatility allows it to serve various purposes, including indicating choice,
separating items, representing fractions, and denoting divisions in different contexts
Semicolon ;
The semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that serves several purposes in writing:
1. Joining Independent Clauses: It's used to connect closely related independent clauses in a
sentence. It creates a stronger connection than a period but less than a conjunction like
"and" or "but." For example, "She loves to hike; the mountains are her favorite destination."
2. Separating Items in a List: When listing items that already contain commas, a semicolon can
be used to separate the items. For instance, "I visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Madrid,
Spain."
3. Clarifying Sentence Structure: It's used to clarify sentence structures with complex elements
or when a stronger break than a comma is needed but a full stop isn’t appropriate.
The semicolon helps in organizing and structuring written language by connecting related thoughts
or separating list items that contain internal punctuation. Its use contributes to clearer and more
nuanced sentence structures.
Mark of Quotation “ “
The mark of quotation refers to the punctuation marks used to indicate quotations within text. In
English, there are two primary types:
1. Quotation Marks (" "): Also known as double quotation marks or speech marks, they are
used to indicate direct speech, dialogue, or a verbatim quotation. For example, "She said, 'I'll
be there soon.'"
2. Single Quotation Marks (' '): Also known as apostrophes or single quotes, they are used
within double quotation marks to indicate a quote within a quote. For example, "He replied,
'She told me, 'I can't make it today.''"
These marks of quotation help differentiate quoted text from the surrounding text, maintaining
clarity and indicating where the quoted material begins and ends.
Question Mark: ?
The question mark ("?") is a punctuation mark used to indicate a direct question or inquiry in written
language. It's placed at the end of a sentence or phrase to denote an interrogative tone, signaling
that a question is being asked. For example, "How are you?" or "What time is it?"
The question mark helps convey the interrogative nature of a sentence or phrase, prompting the
reader to interpret the statement as an inquiry rather than a statement or command.
Parentheses ( )
Parentheses, also known as round brackets or curved brackets, are punctuation marks "( )" used to
enclose extra information within a sentence. They serve several purposes in writing:
1. Adding Supplementary Information: Parentheses are used to include additional, non-
essential information within a sentence. For example, "She went to the store (which was
closed) to buy groceries."
2. Clarifying or Explaining Terms: They can clarify or explain a term or abbreviation used in a
sentence. For instance, "The CPU (central processing unit) is the core component of a
computer."
3. Grouping Mathematical Expressions: In mathematics or programming, parentheses are
used to group parts of an equation or expression, indicating the order of operations. For
example, "(3 + 2) * 4" ensures the addition is performed before multiplication.
Parentheses help provide supplementary or explanatory information without disrupting the flow of
the main sentence, aiding in clarity and comprehension.
Hyphen -
The hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark used primarily to join words or parts of words together,
creating compound terms or indicating a connection between elements in a phrase. Its main uses
include:
1. Compound Words: It's used to connect two or more words to create compound terms, like
"well-being" or "mother-in-law."
2. Word Breaks at the End of a Line: In writing, it's used to break words at the end of lines to
maintain readability and prevent awkward spacing.
3. Joining Prefixes and Suffixes: It's used to link prefixes and suffixes to words, such as "pre-
employment" or "re-evaluate."
4. Numbers and Fractions: Hyphens are used in certain number-related contexts, like
indicating number ranges ("pages 20-25") or fractions ("one-third").
The hyphen serves to link elements together, aiding in creating compound words, indicating word
breaks, and clarifying relationships between parts of words or phrases.
Exclamation Mark !
The exclamation mark (!) is a punctuation mark used to convey strong emotions, emphasis, surprise,
or exclamatory statements in writing. Its primary uses include:
1. Expressing Emotion: It's used to convey strong emotions such as excitement, astonishment,
urgency, or emphasis. For example, "Wow!" or "Watch out!"
2. Exclamatory Sentences: It's placed at the end of exclamatory sentences to denote strong
feelings or commands, like "Stop!" or "Congratulations!"
3. Interjections: It's used in writing to represent interjections expressing emotions or reactions,
such as "Oh no!" or "Hooray!"
The exclamation mark helps convey strong emotions or exclamatory statements in writing, adding
emphasis and highlighting the tone or intensity of a sentence. However, its use is recommended
sparingly to maintain its impact and avoid overemphasis in written communication.
Here is the comprehensive list of symbols’ names in English. I hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions or wish to contribute to enhancing our knowledge about English symbol names, feel free to reach out through our social media or by commenting.
Your input is valuable!
What are these symbols called in english, ~, `, #, ^, *, -, {}, [], ‘, “, /, \?@
Here’s a compiled list of various symbols in English along with their names:
1. Full Stop (Period): .
2. Comma: ,
3. Colon: :
4. Semicolon: ;
5. Ellipsis: …
6. Apostrophe: ‘
7. Quotation Marks (Double and Single): ” “
8. Question Mark: ?
9. Exclamation Mark: !
10. Parentheses (Round Brackets): ( )
11. Square Brackets: [ ]
12. Curly Brackets (Braces): { }
13. Vertical Bar (Pipe): |
14. Ampersand: &
15. Asterisk: *
16. Forward Slash: /
17. Backslash: \
18. Percentage Sign: %
19. Dollar Sign: $
20. Euro Sign: €
21. Pound Sign: £
22. Yen Sign: ¥
23. Copyright Symbol: ©
24. Registered Trademark Symbol: ®
25. Trademark Symbol: ™
26. Plus Sign: +
27. Minus Sign: –
28. Multiplication Sign: ×
29. Division Sign: ÷
30. Equal Sign: =
31. Less Than Sign: <
32. Greater Than Sign: >
33. Not Equal To Sign: ≠
34. At Symbol: @
35. Hash (Pound) Symbol: #
36. Bullet: ●
37. Underscore: _
38. Hyphen: –
39. Tilde: ~
This list covers various symbols commonly used in written and digital communication in English, each serving specific purposes in language, mathematics, computing, and more.
Can symbols have different meanings.
Symbols in the English language can have various meanings based on context, usage, or even cultural associations. For instance: They have denotative and connotative meanings.
- Denotative meaning refers to the literal, explicit, or dictionary definition of a symbol. For instance, the “heart” symbol (♥) denotes the physical organ responsible for pumping blood in its denotative sense.
- Connotative meaning refers to the additional associations, emotions, or cultural implications that a symbol carries beyond its literal definition. The heart symbol, for example, connotes love, affection, or romance beyond its physical denotation.
These connotations can vary based on cultural, historical, or individual interpretations. Symbols often acquire nuanced or subjective meanings, representing emotions, ideologies, or concepts that extend beyond their literal definitions, making them rich in both denotative and connotative significance.
What are symbols called in English?
In English, symbols are referred to as characters, icons, glyphs, signs, or marks. These terms encompass various visual representations used in written language, mathematics, computing, and other fields to convey meaning, represent concepts, or perform specific functions. The term used often depends on the context or the specific type of symbol being referenced.
