asterisk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Neutral, Technical
Quick answer
What does “asterisk” mean?
A printed symbol (*) used to mark a footnote, omission, or to indicate a special form or feature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A printed symbol (*) used to mark a footnote, omission, or to indicate a special form or feature.
A sign used in digital interfaces, computing, and linguistics to represent a wildcard, denote correction, or signal importance. Figuratively, it can imply an exception or qualification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The pronunciation is the primary difference, with variance in the final vowel. Spelling and usage are identical.
Connotations
Identical. In both dialects, it can carry a negative connotation when used as a verb (e.g., 'to asterisk a record' implies it's not fully legitimate).
Frequency
Similar frequency; common in written and technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “asterisk” in a Sentence
asterisk + noun (e.g., asterisk symbol)verb + asterisk (e.g., place an asterisk)noun + asterisk (e.g., footnote asterisk)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asterisk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The editor will asterisk the disputed figures in the annual report.
- They had to asterisk the athlete's record due to the doping scandal.
American English
- Please asterisk any items that require further explanation.
- The historian asterisked the controversial claim in her book.
adjective
British English
- The asterisked note at the bottom contains the crucial disclaimer.
- Look for the asterisked entries in the directory.
American English
- See the asterisked terms in the contract for details.
- Only the asterisked products are eligible for the discount.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports and tables to direct readers to notes or disclaimers at the bottom.
Academic
Common in citations, linguistics (marking ungrammatical examples), and footnotes.
Everyday
Used in forms to indicate required fields or in notes to add extra information.
Technical
In computing, used as a wildcard character (e.g., *.txt) or in programming for multiplication or pointers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “asterisk”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “asterisk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asterisk”
- Misspelling as 'asterix' (like the comic).
- Pronouncing it as /ˈæstərɪk/ (missing the final 'sk' sound).
- Using it as a synonym for any symbol (e.g., ampersand &).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard plural is 'asterisks'.
Yes, it means to mark something with an asterisk, often implying a qualification or exception (e.g., 'They asterisked his world record').
The main difference is in the final syllable: UK /-rɪsk/ (like 'risk'), US /-ˌrɪsk/ (with a secondary stress and a clearer 'ris' sound).
Informally, it's often called a 'star' (e.g., 'star key' on a phone). In specific fields, it has technical names like 'wildcard character' or 'splat', but 'asterisk' is the standard term.
A printed symbol (*) used to mark a footnote, omission, or to indicate a special form or feature.
Asterisk is usually formal, neutral, technical in register.
Asterisk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæstərɪsk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæstəˌrɪsk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Put an asterisk next to it (to indicate an exception/qualification).”
- “An asterisk on his record (a blemish or disqualifying mark).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Aster' is a star-shaped flower; an 'asterisk' is a star-shaped symbol (*).
Conceptual Metaphor
A MARK OF QUALIFICATION (The asterisk is a visual anchor pointing to hidden information or a condition).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is an asterisk LEAST likely to be used?