parenthesis
noun
pa·ren·the·sis
pə-ˈren(t)-thə-səs 
plural parentheses
pə-ˈren(t)-thə-ˌsēz
1
a
: an amplifying (see amplify sense 1) or explanatory word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage from which it is usually set off by punctuation
explained further in a parenthesis
b
: a remark or passage that departs from the theme of a discourse : digression
The speaker inserted some often amusing parentheses during his speech.
3
: one or both of the curved marks ( ) used in writing and printing to enclose a parenthetical expression or to group a symbolic unit in a logical or mathematical expression
The plant's common name is followed by its Latin name in parentheses.
Synonyms
Examples of parenthesis in a Sentence
there was a parenthesis of silence when the microphone momentarily lost power
Recent Examples on the Web
Number of restaurant represented in each category are listed in parentheses.
—
Matthew Odam, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Nov. 2024
Here are the rest of the AP top five (with first-place votes in parentheses).
—Jayna Bardahl, The Athletic, 13 Aug. 2024
Beer names are listed in parentheses next to each brewery.
—Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Oct. 2024
Finally, the comet's discoverer is listed in parenthesis.
—Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for parenthesis 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Matthew Odam, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Nov. 2024
Here are the rest of the AP top five (with first-place votes in parentheses).
—Jayna Bardahl, The Athletic, 13 Aug. 2024
Beer names are listed in parentheses next to each brewery.
—Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Oct. 2024
Finally, the comet's discoverer is listed in parenthesis.
—Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for parenthesis
Dictionary Entries Near parenthesis
Cite this Entry
“Parenthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parenthesis. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
parenthesis
noun
pa·ren·the·sis
pə-ˈren(t)-thə-səs
plural parentheses
-thə-ˌsēz
1
: a word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage to explain or comment on it
2
: one of a pair of marks ( ) used to enclose a parenthesis or to group units in a mathematical expression
parenthetic
adjective
ˌpar-ən-ˈthet-ik
or parenthetical
-ˈthet-i-kəl
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