Definition & Meaning of "guillemet"

What is a "guillemet"?

A guillemet (« ») is a typographic punctuation mark used to indicate quotations or dialogue, similar to quotation marks. They are often seen in various languages, including French and Russian, where they serve to enclose spoken words or cited text. For example, one might write «Bonjour» to indicate that someone is saying "Hello." Guillemets can be used in pairs, with the opening guillemet facing inward and the closing guillemet facing outward. They enhance the clarity of written communication by clearly marking quoted material, helping to distinguish it from the surrounding text.