Definition & Meaning of "tilde"

What is a "tilde"?

A tilde is a diacritical mark that appears as a small, wavy line placed above a letter. In various languages, it serves different purposes. For example, in Spanish, the tilde is used over the letter "n" as in "ñ" to indicate a distinct sound, pronounced like "ny" in "canyon." In Portuguese, a tilde over vowels, such as "ã," denotes nasalization, changing the way the vowel is pronounced. The tilde is significant in written language, as it helps clarify pronunciation and meaning, allowing for accurate communication in languages that utilize it.