Hyphen

/ˈhaɪfən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A punctuation mark (-) used to join words or split a word at the end of a line in legal documents or texts.
    The contract clause was hyphenated for clarity between ‘non-compete’ and ‘non-solicitation.’

Forms

  • hyphen
  • hyphens

Commentary

In legal drafting, the correct use of a hyphen clarifies compound modifiers and prevents ambiguity in statutory and contractual language.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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