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DictionarycolonPunctuation mark
noun

colon

KOH-lun/ˈkəʊlən/

The mark : used to introduce related information or separate related elements.

The colon introduces the tools listed on the note.

A plain small handwritten note contains ONLY 'Tools: saw, axe.' with the colon slightly darker for emphasis, small saw and axe lie beside note as list objects.
Etymology
colonGreeklimb; clause

Greek kōlon meant a “limb” and, figuratively, a clause—a member of a sentence. The name shifted from the clause to the punctuation mark that set it off.

In context

OSU School of Writing, Literature and Film3:07
The colon is elegant and economical: it allows us to indicate the relationship between ideas with one simple punctuation mark
"How to Use a Colon": Oregon State Guide to Grammar

More examples

  • A colon introduces her explanation: the road is closed.
  • He uses a colon before the quotation in his essay.
  • In the time 9:30, the colon separates hours from minutes.
  • The ratio 2:1 has a colon between its numbers.

Forms

colon · colons

punctuation noun — Marks that organize and clarify writing.

Similar words

dash
Can introduce an explanation with a more abrupt break.
semicolon
Joins related independent clauses rather than introducing a list.