How to Split String by Multiple Delimiters in Python

To split a string by multiple delimiters in Python, use the re.split() function from the re module with a pattern that includes all delimiters separated by the pipe | symbol. This lets you split the string wherever any of the delimiters appear.

Syntax

The syntax to split a string by multiple delimiters uses the re.split() function:

• re.split(pattern, string): Splits string by the regex pattern.
• pattern: A regular expression where delimiters are separated by | (meaning OR).

python

import re

result = re.split(r'[;,.]', 'apple;banana,orange.mango')

Output

['apple', 'banana', 'orange', 'mango']

Example

This example shows how to split a string by multiple delimiters like comma, semicolon, and space.

python

import re

text = 'apple,banana;orange mango'
delimiters = r'[;, ]+'
result = re.split(delimiters, text)
print(result)

Output

['apple', 'banana', 'orange', 'mango']

Common Pitfalls

One common mistake is trying to use str.split() multiple times or passing a list of delimiters directly, which does not work. Another is forgetting to escape special characters in delimiters or not using raw strings for regex patterns.

Always use re.split() with a proper regex pattern and raw string notation (prefix r) to avoid errors.

python

import re

# Wrong: str.split() does not accept multiple delimiters
text = 'apple,banana;orange'
# result = text.split([',', ';'])  # This raises TypeError

# Right way:
delimiters = r'[;,]'
result = re.split(delimiters, text)
print(result)

Output

['apple', 'banana', 'orange']

Quick Reference

Tips for splitting strings by multiple delimiters:

• Use re.split() with a regex pattern combining delimiters using | or character classes [].
• Use raw strings (prefix r) for regex patterns to avoid escape issues.
• Include + after delimiters to split on one or more consecutive delimiters.
• Remember str.split() only works with a single delimiter string.

Key Takeaways

Use the re.split() function with a regex pattern to split by multiple delimiters.

Combine delimiters in the pattern using | or character classes [] inside a raw string.

str.split() cannot split by multiple delimiters at once.

Use + in regex to handle consecutive delimiters as one split point.

Always test your regex pattern to ensure correct splitting.