Three-Em Dash ⸻

⸻ (U+2E3B) is a standard Unicode character that you can copy and paste anywhere text is accepted. This page provides a concise reference with safe tips, internal links, and practical guidance so you can use it reliably across apps and platforms.

What it is and where it’s used: Three-Em Dash is part of the Symbols family (block: Supplemental Punctuation). If you need styled or decorative alternatives, try our Fancy Text tool to generate compatible text that works in most modern interfaces.

History & usage: THREE-EM DASH is a punctuation mark used to show a strong break in text. Its codepoint is U+2E3B. It is part of Supplemental Punctuation. The history of the three-em dash is tied to its function as a long dash. It signals a larger pause or abrupt shift than a single or double dash. Writers use it to indicate breaks in thought, missing material, or dramatic emphasis. However, usage varies. In some styles, it replaces parentheses or brackets for side notes. In other styles, it marks a break between clauses without ending the sentence. The three-em dash helps structure text and convey tone. Its length and appearance can differ by font and platform, so readers may see slight variations. Because conventions differ by style and locale, writers should follow the house rules of their publication. When used thoughtfully, it clarifies meaning and guides pacing. The symbol acts as a flexible tool for writers, editors, and readers to manage flow. Understanding its purpose helps readers interpret tone and structure more accurately.

Copy and input: the quickest method is to copy the character here. You can also insert it by its codepoint U+2E3B in many development tools or editors. Some operating systems provide a character viewer or input palette that lets you search by name or code and insert the glyph into documents.

Display and fallback: if you see an empty box (tofu) or a placeholder rectangle, the active font might not include this codepoint. Switching to a font with broader Unicode coverage or using a fallback font usually fixes the issue. On the web, ensure the page’s font stack includes a general‑purpose fallback.

Related references: browse the Categories for similar characters. When choosing a symbol, prefer the official codepoint for semantic clarity and better compatibility with search, copy, and accessibility tooling.

See our category page for related symbols.