mark - Dictionary definition and pronunciation

mark ¹

(märk) KEY

NOUN:

A visible trace or impression, such as a line or spot.
A sign, such as a cross, made in lieu of a signature.
A written or printed symbol used for punctuation; a punctuation mark.
1. A number, letter, or symbol used to indicate various grades of academic achievement: got a mark of 95 instead of 100.
2. An appraisal; a rating. Often used in the plural: earned high marks from her superiors.
1. An inscription, name, stamp, label, or seal placed on an article to signify ownership, quality, manufacture, or origin.
2. A notch in an animal's ear or hide indicating ownership.
Nautical
1. A knot or piece of material placed at various measured lengths on a sounding line to indicate the depth of the water.
2. A Plimsoll mark.
1. A distinctive trait or property: Good manners are the mark of a civilized person.
2. A lasting effect: The experience had left its mark.
3. Mark A particular mode, brand, size, or quality of a product, especially a weapon or machine.
A recognized standard of quality: schoolwork that is not up to the mark.
1. Importance; prominence: "a fellow of no mark nor likelihood" (Shakespeare).
2. Notice; attention: a matter unworthy of mark.
A target: "A mounted officer would be a conspicuous mark" (Ambrose Bierce).
Something that one wishes to achieve; a goal.
An object or point that serves as a guide.
Slang A person who is the intended victim of a swindler; a dupe.
1. Sports The place from which racers begin and sometimes end their contest.
2. A point reached or gained: the halfway mark of the race.
3. A record: set a new mark in the long jump.
Sports
1. A strike or spare in bowling.
2. A stationary ball in lawn bowling; a jack.
A boundary between countries.
A tract of land in medieval England and Germany held in common by a community.
Computer Science A character or feature in a file, record, or data stream used to locate a specific point or condition.

VERB:
marked , mark·ing , marks
VERB:
tr.

1. To make a visible trace or impression on, as with a spot, line, or dent.
2. To form, make, or depict by making a mark: marked a square on the board.
3. To supply with natural markings: gray fur that is marked with stripes.
1. To single out or indicate by or as if by a mark: marked the spot where the treasure was buried; a career marked for glory.
2. To distinguish or characterize: the exuberance that marks her writings; marked the occasion with celebrations.
3. To make conspicuous: a concert marking the composer's 60th birthday.
To set off or separate by or as if by a line or boundary: marked off the limits of our property.
To attach or affix identification, such as a price tag or maker's label, to.
To evaluate (academic work) according to a scale of letters or numbers; grade.
1. To give attention to; notice: Mark her expression of discontent. Mark my words: they are asking for trouble.
2. To take note of in writing; write down: marked the appointment on my calendar.
3. Sports & Games To record (the score) in various games.
Sports To guard (an opponent), as in soccer.

VERB:
intr.

To make a visible impression: This pen will mark under water.
To receive a visible impression: The floor marks easily.
Sports & Games To keep score.
To determine academic grades: a teacher who marks strictly.
Archaic To pay attention; notice.

PHRASAL VERBS:
mark down

To mark for sale at a lower price.

mark up

To deface by covering with marks.
To mark for sale at a higher price.

IDIOMS:
beside the mark

Beside the point; irrelevant.

mark time

To move the feet alternately in the rhythm of a marching step without advancing.
To suspend progress for the time being; wait in readiness.
To function in an apathetic or ineffective manner.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English mearc; see merg- in Indo-European roots

SYNONYMS:
mark ¹ , brand , label , tag ¹ , ticket

These verbs mean to place a mark of identification on: marked the items on the list with a check; brand cattle; labeled the boxes; tagged suitcases; ticketed the new merchandise. See also Synonyms at sign.

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Definition of mark