What Is the Apostrophe in Morse Code?
The Morse code for the apostrophe (') is .----. — a sequence of 6 signals: dot, dash, dash, dash, dash, dot. The apostrophe (’) marks contractions and possessives. In Morse it’s six signals: dot dash dash dash dash dot.
When you search for “apostrophe in morse code”, “morse code for apostrophe”, “' in morse code”, or “morse code '”, the answer is the same ITU-standard pattern: .----.. Other common names for this character include single quote, prime.
When to Use the Apostrophe
Contractions like "don't" and possessives like "Bob's" in Morse messages. In high-speed CW conversation, operators often skip non-essential punctuation — but for clarity, accuracy and written transcripts, the apostrophe stays as .----..
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for the Apostrophe?
Select the correct Morse code for the apostrophe ('):
How to Tap the Apostrophe in Morse Code
To transmit the apostrophe (.----.), use this sequence:
ITU Timing Rules
- Dot (·) = 1 unit
- Dash (−) = 3 units (3× longer)
- Signal gap = 1 unit
- Letter gap = 3 units
- Word gap = 7 units
Timing Reference Table
| Speed | Dot | Dash | Letter gap | Word gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 wpm | 240ms | 720ms | 720ms | 1680ms |
| 10 wpm | 120ms | 360ms | 360ms | 840ms |
| 17 wpm (this page) | 70ms | 210ms | 210ms | 490ms |
| 20 wpm | 60ms | 180ms | 180ms | 420ms |
How to Remember the Apostrophe in Morse Code
Dot, four dashes, dot — bookended dots wrapping a long middle. Sounds like the digit 1 pattern with an extra dot at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions — Apostrophe in Morse Code
The apostrophe (') in Morse code is .----. (2 dots, 4 dashes). It’s the standard ITU code used worldwide.
The Morse code for the apostrophe is .----.. Tap the sequence as: dot, dash, dash, dash, dash, dot, with a one-unit gap between each signal.
To send the apostrophe: short tap, then long press, then long press, then long press, then long press, then short tap. Keep one unit of silence between each signal and three units between this character and the next.
The apostrophe uses 6 signals total: 2 dots and 4 dashes. Most punctuation marks in ITU Morse use 5 or 6 signals.
Contractions like "don't" and possessives like "Bob's" in Morse messages. Punctuation is optional in casual CW, but standard for formal messages and written transcripts.
Yes — .----. is defined by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Recommendation M.1677 and is used worldwide for the apostrophe.
Related Morse Code Punctuation
Other punctuation marks often used alongside the apostrophe: