a visible impression or trace on something, as a line, cut, dent, stain, or bruise

a small mark on his arm.

a badge, brand, or other visible sign assumed or imposed

a mark of his noble rank.

a symbol used in writing or printing

a punctuation mark.

a sign, usually an X or cross, made instead of a signature by someone who does not know how or is unable to write his or her own name.

an affixed or impressed device, symbol, inscription, etc., serving to give information, identify, indicate origin or ownership, attest to character or comparative merit, or the like, as a trademark.

a sign, token, or indication

to bow as a mark of respect.

a symbol used in rating conduct, proficiency, attainment, etc., as of pupils in a school

good marks; bad marks.

something serving as an indication of position, as a landmark.

a recognized or required standard of quality, accomplishment, etc.; norm

His dissertation was below the mark.

distinction or importance; repute; note

a man of mark.

a distinctive trait or characteristic

the usual marks of a gentleman.

( usually initial capital letter ) U.S. Military . a designation for an item of military equipment in production, used in combination with a numeral to indicate the order of adoption, and often abbreviated

a Mark-4 tank; an M-1 rifle.

an object aimed at; target

to aim at the mark.

an object or end desired or striven for; goal.

Slang .

an object of derision, scorn, manipulation, or the like

He was an easy mark for criticism.

the intended victim of a swindler, hustler, or the like

The cardsharps picked their marks from among the tourists on the cruise ship.

Track . the starting line.

Boxing . the middle of the stomach.

Lawn Bowling . jack 1 ( def. 17 ) .

Bowling . a strike or spare.

Nautical . any of the distinctively marked points on a deep-sea lead line, occurring at levels of 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17, and 20 fathoms above the lead. Compare deep ( def. 33 ) .

a tract of land that may have been held in common by a primitive or early medieval community of peasants in Germany.

Archaic or History/Historical . a boundary; frontier.

to be a distinguishing feature of

a day marked by rain.

to put a mark or marks on

to mark each box with an X.

to give a grade for; put a grade on

to mark the final exams.

scent-mark ( def. 2 ) .

to furnish with figures, signs, tags, etc., to indicate price, quality, brand name, or the like

We marked all the books with prices.

to trace or form by or as if by marks (often fol. by out )

to mark out a plan of attack.

to indicate or designate by or as if by marks

to mark passages to be memorized.

to single out; destine (often fol. by out )

to be marked out for promotion.

to record, as a score.

to make manifest

to mark approval with a nod.

to give heed or attention to

Mark my words!

to notice or observe

to mark a change in the weather.

to take notice; give attention; consider.

scent-mark ( def. 1 ) . ?

mark down, to reduce the price of

These towels have been marked down.

mark off, to mark the proper dimensions or boundaries of; separate

We marked off the limits of our lot with stakes.

mark up,

to mar or deface with marks.

to mark with notations or symbols.

to fix the selling price of (an article) by adding to the seller's cost an amount to cover expenses and profit

to mark up dresses 50 percent.

to increase the selling price of. ?

beside the mark

not pertinent; irrelevant.

bless or save the mark! (used as an exclamation of disapproval, contempt, impatience, etc.) Also

God bless or save the mark!

make one's mark

to attain success or fame; achieve one's ambition

He set out to make his mark as a writer.

mark time. time ( def. 55 ) .

on your mark or marks! (in calling the start of a race) take your places

On your mark! Get set! Go! Also, get ready!, ready!

wide of the mark

far from the target or objective; inaccurate or irrelevant

My first guess was wide of the mark.

verb

mark