Three-em Dash Symbol
⸻ is the three-em dash punctuation mark, used to indicate a break, omission, or emphasis in typesetting.
U+2E3B
The ⸻ symbol is known as the three-em dash. It’s a punctuation character (U+2E3B) often used in formatted text. This page helps you copy it and use it correctly across tools and code.
Three-em Dash Symbol Meaning
⸻ (THREE-EM DASH, U+2E3B) is a punctuation mark shaped like a long horizontal dash. It can be used in typesetting to signal a pause or separation between parts of a sentence. In writing, it may also serve as a typographic alternative to longer dash styles when you want a distinctive “break” marker. Depending on your typography rules or style guide, it can also appear to indicate an omission or an interrupted thought. Practically, it’s best treated as a visual punctuation character rather than an operator, so it fits naturally in prose, captions, and layout text where spacing matters.
Common uses
- •Separating clauses in editorial or typeset prose where a distinctive dash is preferred
- •Indicating an omission or interruption in quotes, transcripts, or formatted text
- •Creating visual section breaks in printed-style layouts and captions
- •Enhancing readability in poetry, dialogue, or stylized writing
- •Adding emphasis as a typographic punctuation mark in design mockups
Examples
⸻ Three-Em Dash (Punctuation) Copy & Use
- ⸻The old rule ⸻ still applies in modern drafts.
- ⸻“I can’t say more ⸻” she wrote, then stopped.
- ⸻Results: pending ⸻ awaiting verification.
- ⸻Part one ⸻ part two ⸻ final notes.
- ⸻He paused ⸻ and changed his mind.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2E3B | |
| HTML Entity | ⸻ | |
| HTML Code | ⸻ | |
| CSS | \2E3B | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 11835 | |
| Decimal | 11835 |
How to type Three-em Dash Symbol (⸻)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 11835 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2E3B then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2E3B. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2e3b, then press Enter or Space.
Anywhere
Copy ⸻ with the button above and paste it wherever you need it — this works on every device and in every app, with no keyboard shortcut to remember.
FAQ
What does the Three-em Dash symbol mean?
⸻ (THREE-EM DASH, U+2E3B) is a punctuation mark shaped like a long horizontal dash. It can be used in typesetting to signal a pause or separation between parts of a sentence. In writing, it may also serve as a typographic alternative to longer dash styles when you want a distinctive “break” marker. Depending on your typography rules or style guide, it can also appear to indicate an omission or an interrupted thought. Practically, it’s best treated as a visual punctuation character rather than an operator, so it fits naturally in prose, captions, and layout text where spacing matters.
What is the official name and code point for ⸻?
⸻ is the THREE-EM DASH with Unicode code point U+2E3B.
How can I copy ⸻ for documents or web pages?
Copy the character directly from this page, or use one of the provided escapes: HTML entity ⸻ or CSS escape \\2E3B (JavaScript: \\u{2E3B}).
Is ⸻ the same as a regular em dash (—)?
Not exactly. ⸻ is a distinct punctuation character (three-em dash) and may display or space differently from the em dash.
Where should I use the three-em dash in text?
Common uses include indicating a pause or separation in prose, marking omissions in quotes or transcripts, and adding typographic breaks in layouts.