hyphenate

[hahy-fuh-neyt, hahy-fuh-nit, -neyt]

verb (used with object)

hyphenated, hyphenating 

1. to join by a hyphen.

2. to write or divide with a hyphen.

adjective

1. of or relating to something of distinct form or origin that has been joined; connected by a hyphen.

noun

1. Informal.,  a person working or excelling in more than one craft or occupation.

   He's a film-industry hyphenate, usually listed as a writer-director-producer.

hyphenate

/ ˈhaɪfəˌneɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to separate (syllables, words, etc) with a hyphen

Other Word Forms

• hyphenation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyphenate¹

First recorded in 1850–55; hyphen + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

By the way, if you think those numbers are impressive, just imagine what the jersey sales will be like if the couple decides to hyphenate their names after saying “I do.”

From Los Angeles Times

An Orange County election board staff member told her they suspected that process initially failed because her last name is now hyphenated.

From Salon

The Conservative leader has pushed for the integration of newcomers, saying Canada does not need to be a "hyphenated society".

From BBC

It was wonderful to be seen that way and have my skill set and my hyphenates acknowledged and not having to compartmentalize because he sees me as a creator, much like he’s a creator.

From Los Angeles Times

Such hyphenated Americans, he said, felt a “degree of accepted and reasonable pride,” and had succeeded in connecting “their heritage to their mother country” and also to “where they are now” in America.

From Salon