1. written with a hyphen or hyphens connecting two or more words or parts of words
2. having a dual cultural or national identity, especially as indicated by a hyphenated surname or ethnic designation
Usage: often used in reference to cultural identity

Examples

• The word ‘well-known’ is hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun.
• Many compound adjectives are hyphenated to avoid confusion.
• Her hyphenated last name reflected both her parents’ surnames.
• The term ‘African-American’ is a hyphenated ethnic designation.
• Some hyphenated Americans maintain strong ties to their ancestral cultures.
• The editor insisted that ‘twenty-one’ should be hyphenated.
• His hyphenated identity as Italian-American influenced his cooking style.