pound symbol

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pound symbol" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the "#" character, especially in contexts related to technology, social media, or programming. Example: "To tag your post on Twitter, simply add the pound symbol followed by your keyword."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Finally, the color for the red box is defined after the pound symbol.

Harvard University

Once you the scan is complete, you must press the pound symbol to send the document.

Harvard University

He owns "xn--9a.com" - the identifier used to represent the pound symbol.

The Guardian - Tech

I am aware that the American "pound" symbol may be used as a programming command, but this has nothing to do with the British pound symbol and, in any case, symbols have no effect on domain names.

The Guardian - Tech

Under the hash tag system, people add a hash or pound symbol before a keyword that is used as an index term for messages on that topic.

The New York Times

The self-described "hash godfather," he officially invented the Twitter hashtag in August 2007, when he sent out a Twitter message suggesting that the pound symbol be used for organizing groups on Twitter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In a typical press release, the end is marked by three pound symbols.

WikiHow

It wasn't his fault that he became a ten-thousand-pound symbol of promises kept (or not) and dreams achieved (or not) and integrity maintained (or not) and nature respected (or not).

The New Yorker

Despite having "no personal belief either way", he thinks that he's on to something unique with his pound-symbol domain name.

The Guardian - Tech

Is this curious incident of the million pound 'status symbols' true?

Independent

Hence his recent decision to drop the party's long title and replace its pound-sign symbol.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pound symbol" when referring to the '#' key on a telephone.

Common error

Avoid using "pound symbol" when you specifically mean the currency symbol (£). Instead, use "£ symbol", "pound sterling symbol", or "currency symbol for pound" to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pound symbol" primarily functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly understood. It identifies a specific typographical symbol, the '#', in various contexts like social media and programming.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pound symbol" is a grammatically sound noun phrase primarily used to refer to the '#' character, commonly known as the hash or number sign. Ludwig AI indicates that the expression is indeed correct and applicable. While used across various contexts, it frequently appears in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. To avoid confusion, especially with the currency symbol, it's best to clarify the context when using "pound symbol". Alternative terms like "hash symbol" or "number sign" can offer greater clarity depending on the application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hash symbol

Refers to the same typographical symbol, often used interchangeably, particularly in the context of hashtags.

Number sign

Another common name for the "#" symbol, emphasizing its use in numbering and indexing.

Hash tag symbol

Specifically relates to its use in social media for tagging content.

Octothorpe

A less common but technically accurate term for the "#" symbol.

British pound symbol

More specific identification of the currency symbol.

Pound sterling symbol

Another way to refer to the currency symbol.

£ symbol

Refers specifically to the symbol for the British pound currency.

£ sign

A shorter way to refer to the British pound currency symbol.

Currency symbol for pound

Emphasizes the symbol's function as a currency indicator.

Sharp symbol

In musical notation, the sharp symbol resembles the pound symbol.

FAQs

What is another name for the "pound symbol"?

The "pound symbol" is also commonly known as the "hash symbol" or the "number sign".

When should I use "pound symbol" vs "£ symbol"?

Use "pound symbol" when referring to the '#' character, particularly in the context of hashtags or telephone keypads. Use "£ symbol" when referring to the "British pound currency".

How is the "pound symbol" used in social media?

In social media, the "pound symbol", or "hash symbol", is used to create hashtags. Adding the symbol before a word or phrase turns it into a clickable link that indexes messages on a specific topic.

What's the origin of the term "octothorpe" for the "pound symbol"?

The origin of "octothorpe", another name for the "pound symbol", is debated. Theories suggest it combines "octo" (eight) referring to the symbol's points, and "thorpe", an archaic word for village, or possibly from a person's name.