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
In parenthesis are the number of first-place votes.
—
Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2024
The year or years in which an Olympian medaled are in parentheses after each athlete’s name.
—Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2024
The scientific name might be in parentheses in the ingredients
section on the back of the package.
—Allyson Chiu, Washington Post, 24 July 2024
Between each pair of matching parentheses is an interval that includes all the points between them, but not the endpoints.
—Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for parenthesis 
Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2024
The year or years in which an Olympian medaled are in parentheses after each athlete’s name.
—Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2024
The scientific name might be in parentheses in the ingredients
section on the back of the package.
—Allyson Chiu, Washington Post, 24 July 2024
Between each pair of matching parentheses is an interval that includes all the points between them, but not the endpoints.
—Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for parenthesis
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'parenthesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near parenthesis
Cite this Entry
“Parenthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parenthesis. Accessed 19 Aug. 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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