Picture Vocabulary

300+ Symbols Names List with Uses and Meanings in English

Symbols names are the words used to identify marks and signs that appear in writing, mathematics, technology, and everyday communication. These symbols replace words, show relationships, express actions, or represent values in a short and direct way. They are commonly seen in textbooks, keyboards, signs, digital messages, and technical content.

Learning symbols names helps readers understand written instructions, equations, and online text without confusion. It also makes communication clearer when explaining problems, typing accurately, or reading content that relies on symbols instead of full words.

What Are Symbols Names?

Symbols are visual signs that stand for words, ideas, or actions in a short and direct form. Symbol names are the spoken or written labels used to refer to these signs clearly, so people can talk about them without confusion. Knowing symbol names helps when typing on a keyboard, reading math problems, understanding technical content, or following written instructions.

Symbols allow information to be shared quickly without using long words or full sentences. They make communication more efficient by showing meaning instantly, especially in subjects like mathematics, science, technology, and everyday digital communication.

Why Symbols Names Are Important to Learn?

Symbols names are important to learn because symbols appear frequently in writing, mathematics, technology, and everyday communication. Understanding their names helps readers read instructions accurately, solve equations correctly, and recognize meaning without confusion.

Knowing symbols names also makes it easier to explain ideas, ask questions, and use symbols properly while typing or writing. This knowledge supports clear communication across academic subjects and digital platforms.

Commonly Used Symbols

Commonly used symbols include the signs people see most often in daily writing and typing. These symbols are widely recognized and used across many situations.

  • @ At sign: Used in email addresses and to mention people online
  • # Hash: Used for hashtags, numbers, or labeling topics
  • & Ampersand: Means “and” in writing or titles
  • * Asterisk: Used to mark notes, footnotes, or special points
  • % Percent: Shows a part out of one hundred
  • + Plus: Indicates addition or extra amount
  • – Hyphen: Joins words or shows a break
  • = Equals: Shows two values are the same
  • / Slash: Separates choices or parts
  • \ Backslash: Used in file paths and coding
  • ? Question mark: Ends a question
  • ! Exclamation mark: Shows strong feeling or emphasis
  • . Period: Ends a sentence
  • , Comma: Separates items or ideas
  • : Colon: Introduces explanations or lists
  • ; Semicolon: Connects closely related sentences
  • ( ) Parentheses: Add extra information
  • [ ] Brackets: Insert added or edited text
  • { } Braces: Used in math and programming
  • | Vertical bar: Separates options or data
  • _ Underscore: Joins words in usernames or files
  • ~ Tilde: Shows approximation or range
  • ^ Caret: Indicates power or emphasis in text
  • ` Grave accent: Used in programming and typing accents
300+ Symbols Names List with Uses and Meanings in English
300+ Symbols Names List with Uses and Meanings in English

Symbols Used in Mathematics

Mathematical symbols represent numbers, operations, and relationships. Learning these symbols helps readers understand equations and mathematical expressions clearly.

  • + Plus: Adds numbers together
  • – Minus: Subtracts one number from another
  • × Multiplication: Shows multiplication
  • ÷ Division: Shows division
  • = Equals: Shows equality
  • ≠ Not equal: Shows values are different
  • < Less than: Shows a smaller value
  • > Greater than: Shows a larger value
  • ≤ Less than or equal to: Shows smaller or equal value
  • ≥ Greater than or equal to: Shows larger or equal value
  • ± Plus minus: Shows both positive and negative values
  • √ Square root: Finds a number that multiplies by itself
  • ∞ Infinity: Represents endless quantity
  • π Pi: Used in circle measurements
  • ∑ Summation: Adds a series of numbers
  • ∫ Integral: Used in advanced mathematics
  • ∠ Angle: Represents an angle
  • ° Degree: Measures angles or temperature
  • ≈ Approximately equal: Shows close value
  • ∴ Therefore: Shows a conclusion

Symbols Used in Writing and Punctuation

Symbols used in writing help organize sentences and show meaning. These marks guide readers through pauses, emphasis, and structure.

  • . Period: Ends a statement
  • , Comma: Separates words or clauses
  • ? Question mark: Ends a question
  • ! Exclamation mark: Shows excitement or warning
  • : Colon: Introduces explanations
  • ; Semicolon: Links related sentences
  • ‘ Apostrophe: Shows possession or contractions
  • ” Quotation mark: Shows spoken words
  • – Hyphen: Joins compound words
  • – En dash: Shows range
  • — Em dash: Adds emphasis or pause
  • ( ) Parentheses: Adds extra detail
  • [ ] Brackets: Adds clarification
  • { } Braces: Used in structure or grouping
  • … Ellipsis: Shows omitted text or pause

Currency and Money Symbols

Currency symbols represent money from different countries. These symbols appear in prices, financial texts, and everyday transactions.

  • $ Dollar: Used for US and other currencies
  • € Euro: Used in European countries
  • £ Pound: Used in the UK
  • ¥ Yen: Used in Japan
  • ₹ Rupee: Used in India
  • ₩ Won: Used in South Korea
  • ₽ Ruble: Used in Russia
  • ₺ Lira: Used in Turkey
  • ₱ Peso: Used in several countries
  • ₦ Naira: Used in Nigeria
  • ฿ Baht: Used in Thailand
  • ₫ Dong: Used in Vietnam
  • ₪ Shekel: Used in Israel
  • ₡ Colon: Used in Costa Rica
  • ₴ Hryvnia: Used in Ukraine

Symbols Found on Keyboards

Keyboard symbols are the signs available on computer and mobile keyboards. Knowing them helps with typing, shortcuts, and file naming.

  • @ At sign: Used in emails and mentions
  • # Hash: Used for tags and numbers
  • $ Dollar: Represents money
  • % Percent: Shows percentage
  • ^ Caret: Used in formulas and shortcuts
  • & Ampersand: Means “and”
  • * Asterisk: Marks special notes
  • ( ) Parentheses: Group information
  • _ Underscore: Connects words in files
  • + Plus: Adds values
  • = Equals: Shows equality
  • { } Braces: Used in coding
  • [ ] Brackets: Used in editing
  • | Vertical bar: Separates values
  • ~ Tilde: Shows approximation

Symbols Used in Computers and Technology

Technology symbols are used in files, software, and digital systems. These symbols help control actions and represent technical information.

  • @ At sign: Used in email addresses and user mentions
  • # Hash: Used in programming, tags, and commands
  • < Less than: Used in coding and comparisons
  • > Greater than: Used in coding and comparisons
  • / Slash: Separates directories or commands
  • \ Backslash: Used in file paths and programming
  • | Pipe: Sends output from one command to another
  • _ Underscore: Used in file names and variables
  • * Asterisk: Acts as a wildcard in searches
  • ^ Caret: Used for control operations
  • ~ Tilde: Represents home directory or approximation
  • % Percent: Used in programming operations
  • & Ampersand: Runs commands together
  • = Equals: Assigns values
  • ! Exclamation: Shows command negation
  • ? Question: Used in help or conditional checks
  • . Dot: Separates file extensions
  • : Colon: Used in time, paths, or labels
  • ; Semicolon: Ends statements in code
  • $ Dollar: Indicates variables or commands

Symbols Commonly Seen on Social Media

Social media symbols are used for tagging, reacting, and sharing content. They help users understand interactions on digital platforms.

  • @ Mention: Tags or notifies a user
  • # Hashtag: Groups content by topic
  • ❤️ Heart: Shows liking or appreciation
  • 👍 Thumbs up: Shows approval
  • 🔁 Repost: Shares content again
  • 💬 Comment: Indicates replies or discussion
  • 📌 Pin: Fixes content at top
  • 🔔 Notification: Alerts users
  • 📎 Attachment: Adds files
  • ⭐ Star: Marks favorites

Symbols Used in Email Writing

Email symbols help structure addresses and messages. These signs play an important role in digital communication.

  • @ At sign: Separates username and domain
  • . Dot: Separates parts of email address
  • _ Underscore: Joins words in addresses
  • – Hyphen: Separates words
  • + Plus: Used for filtering emails
  • , Comma: Separates multiple recipients
  • ; Semicolon: Separates email addresses
  • : Colon: Introduces fields
  • ( ) Parentheses: Adds extra information
  • ” Quotation mark: Groups address text

Symbols for Typing and Text Formatting

Typing and formatting symbols help organize written content. They improve clarity and structure in documents and messages.

  • . Period: Ends statements
  • , Comma: Separates ideas
  • ? Question mark: Ends questions
  • ! Exclamation mark: Shows emphasis
  • : Colon: Introduces explanations
  • ; Semicolon: Links ideas
  • ‘ Apostrophe: Shows possession
  • ” Quotation mark: Shows speech
  • ( ) Parentheses: Adds details
  • [ ] Brackets: Adds notes
  • { } Braces: Groups content
  • … Ellipsis: Shows pause or omission
  • – Hyphen: Connects words
  • / Slash: Shows alternatives
  • & Ampersand: Replaces “and”

Symbols Used in Programming

Programming symbols define commands, conditions, and structure in code. Learning them helps readers understand how programs are written.

  • { } Braces: Define code blocks
  • [ ] Brackets: Store arrays
  • ( ) Parentheses: Group functions
  • ; Semicolon: Ends statements
  • : Colon: Defines scope
  • = Equals: Assigns values
  • == Equality: Compares values
  • != Not equal: Checks difference
  • < Less than: Comparison operator
  • > Greater than: Comparison operator
  • <= Less than equal: Conditional comparison
  • >= Greater than equal: Conditional comparison
  • && Logical and: Combines conditions
  • || Logical or: Combines conditions
  • ! Logical not: Reverses condition
  • # Hash: Preprocessor directive
  • $ Dollar: Variable reference
  • @ At sign: Decorator or reference
  • -> Arrow: Points to functions
  • :: Scope resolution: Accesses scope

Comparison and Relationship Symbols

These symbols show equality, difference, or connection between values. They are commonly used in math and logic.

  • = Equals: Shows that two values are the same
  • ≠ Not equal: Shows that two values are different
  • < Less than: Indicates a smaller value
  • > Greater than: Indicates a larger value
  • ≤ Less than or equal to: Shows a value is smaller or the same
  • ≥ Greater than or equal to: Shows a value is larger or the same
  • ≈ Approximately equal: Shows a close but not exact value
  • ≡ Identical: Shows exact equality in meaning or value
  • ∝ Proportional: Shows a relationship between values
  • ⊂ Subset: Shows one set is inside another
  • ⊃ Superset: Shows a set contains another
  • ∈ Element of: Shows membership in a set
  • ∉ Not an element of: Shows non membership
  • ∥ Parallel: Shows lines that never meet
  • ⊥ Perpendicular: Shows right angle relationship

Measurement and Unit Symbols

Measurement symbols represent size, weight, time, and quantity. They are used in science, math, and daily measurements.

  • ° Degree: Measures angles or temperature
  • ′ Minute: Measures angles or time
  • ″ Second: Measures angles or time
  • % Percent: Shows parts of a whole
  • ‰ Per mille: Shows parts per thousand
  • m Meter: Unit of length
  • km Kilometer: Measures long distances
  • cm Centimeter: Measures short lengths
  • kg Kilogram: Measures weight
  • s Second: Measures time
  • A Ampere: Measures electric current
  • V Volt: Measures electric potential

Logic and Operation Symbols

Logic symbols show reasoning and conditions. These symbols help express rules, decisions, and conclusions clearly.

  • ∧ Logical and: Requires both conditions true
  • ∨ Logical or: Requires one condition true
  • ¬ Logical not: Reverses a statement
  • ⇒ Implies: Shows result or conclusion
  • ⇔ If and only if: Shows two way condition
  • ⊕ Exclusive or: One condition true only
  • ⊗ Tensor product: Combines structures
  • ∀ For all: Applies to every element
  • ∃ There exists: Shows existence
  • ∴ Therefore: Shows conclusion

Warning and Safety Signs

Warning symbols alert people to danger or important rules. They are commonly used for safety and public awareness.

  • ⚠ Warning: Alerts to possible danger
  • ☢ Radiation: Indicates radioactive material
  • ☣ Biohazard: Indicates biological risk
  • ⚡ High voltage: Shows electric danger
  • 🔥 Fire: Indicates fire hazard
  • ☠ Poison: Indicates toxic substance
  • 🚫 Prohibited: Shows something is not allowed
  • ❗ Alert: Shows attention needed
  • ⛔ Stop: Indicates no entry
  • ♻ Recycling: Indicates recyclable material

Religious and Cultural Symbols

Religious and cultural symbols represent beliefs, traditions, and identities. These symbols carry meaning beyond words.

  • ☪ Crescent: Represents Islam
  • ✝ Cross: Represents Christianity
  • ✡ Star of David: Represents Judaism
  • ☯ Yin yang: Represents balance
  • 🕉 Om: Represents Hinduism
  • ☸ Dharma wheel: Represents Buddhism
  • ☮ Peace: Represents peace
  • 🛐 Place of worship: Represents prayer
  • 🔯 Six pointed star: Cultural symbol
  • ☦ Orthodox cross: Religious symbol

Direction and Navigation Symbols

Directional symbols show movement or location. They are used on maps, signs, and instructions.

  • ↑ Up arrow: Shows upward direction
  • ↓ Down arrow: Shows downward direction
  • ← Left arrow: Shows left direction
  • → Right arrow: Shows right direction
  • ↔ Both directions: Shows two way movement
  • ↕ Vertical arrows: Shows up and down
  • ↗ Up right arrow: Shows diagonal direction
  • ↘ Down right arrow: Shows diagonal direction
  • ↙ Down left arrow: Shows diagonal direction
  • ↖ Up left arrow: Shows diagonal direction

Decorative and Typographic Symbols

Decorative symbols are used for design and formatting. They add visual structure or emphasis to text.

  • ★ Star: Decorative mark
  • ☆ Star outline: Decorative mark
  • ✓ Check mark: Shows correct or done
  • ✗ Cross mark: Shows incorrect
  • • Bullet: Lists items
  • ◦ Hollow bullet: Lists items
  • § Section sign: Marks sections
  • ¶ Pilcrow: Marks paragraph
  • © Copyright: Protects ownership
  • ® Registered: Shows registered mark

Traditional Symbols Still in Use

Some symbols have been used for a long time and remain relevant today. These symbols still appear in modern writing and documents.

  • † Dagger: Marks footnotes or references
  • ‡ Double dagger: Marks secondary footnotes
  • ¶ Pilcrow: Indicates paragraph breaks
  • § Section: Refers to document sections
  • © Copyright: Shows content ownership
  • ® Registered: Marks registered brands
  • ™ Trademark: Shows brand identity
  • ℅ Care of: Used in mailing addresses
  • № Number sign: Indicates numbered items
  • ℞ Prescription: Used in medical writing

Symbols That Often Cause Confusion

Some symbols look similar or have close meanings. Understanding their differences helps avoid mistakes while reading or writing.

  • – Hyphen: Joins words or breaks lines
  • – En dash: Shows ranges
  • — Em dash: Adds emphasis or pause
  • / Slash: Shows options or divisions
  • \ Backslash: Used in file paths
  • ‘ Apostrophe: Shows possession
  • ` Grave accent: Used in coding
  • | Vertical bar: Separates data
  • ! Exclamation mark: Shows emphasis
  • ? Question mark: Ends questions

Symbols Understood Worldwide

Certain symbols are recognized across countries and languages. These symbols support global communication.

  • + Plus: Used in math and signs
  • – Minus: Used in math and ranges
  • = Equals: Shows equality
  • % Percent: Shows ratio
  • $ Dollar: Global currency symbol
  • @ At sign: Used in emails
  • # Hash: Used in tagging
  • & Ampersand: Means “and”
  • * Asterisk: Marks notes
  • ∞ Infinity: Represents endless value

When to Use Symbols in Writing

Symbols should be used in writing when they communicate meaning more clearly than words. They are appropriate in mathematics, technical content, notes, charts, and digital communication where space and clarity matter. In these cases, symbols help present information quickly and accurately.

Symbols should be avoided in formal writing unless they are standard or required. When writing for general audiences, symbols should only be used if their meaning is familiar and does not confuse the reader.

Symbols Compared to Words

Symbols and words serve different purposes in communication. The table below shows how they compare in usage, clarity, and context.

AspectSymbolsWords
Basic formVisual signs or marksWritten or spoken language
LengthVery shortCan be short or long
PurposeRepresent ideas quicklyExplain ideas in detail
Speed of understandingInstant recognitionRequires reading
Usage areasMath, signs, typing, techGeneral writing and speech
ClarityClear when familiarClear through explanation
FlexibilityFixed meaningMeaning can expand
Formal writingLimited usePreferred choice
Examples+, %, @, =plus, percent, at, equals

FAQs About Symbols Names

What are symbols names?

Symbols names are the words used to identify signs and marks such as @, %, or + that represent ideas, actions, or values.

Where are symbols names commonly used?

Symbols names are commonly used in writing, mathematics, technology, education, signs, and digital communication.

Are symbols names the same across all subjects?

Some symbols keep the same name, but their meaning or use can change depending on the subject or context.

Why is it important to learn symbols names?

Learning symbols names helps readers understand instructions, equations, and written content without confusion.

Can symbols replace words in writing?

Symbols can replace words when their meaning is clear and widely understood, especially in structured or technical writing.

Conclusion

Symbols names help readers understand the marks and signs used in writing, mathematics, technology, and daily communication. Learning their meanings and uses makes it easier to read instructions, follow equations, and type accurately. Since symbols appear across subjects and platforms, knowing when and how to use them supports clear communication and reduces confusion in both written and digital content.

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About the author

Muhammad Qasim

Muhammad Qasim is an English language educator and ESL content creator with a degree from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and TEFL certification. He has over 5 years of experience teaching grammar, vocabulary, and spoken English. Muhammad manages several educational blogs designed to support ESL learners with practical lessons, visual resources, and topic-based content. He blends his teaching experience with digital tools to make learning accessible to a global audience. He’s also active on YouTube (1.6M Subscribers), Facebook (1.8M Followers), Instagram (100k Followers) and Pinterest( (170k Followers), where he shares bite-sized English tips to help learners improve step by step.