paragraph

1 of 2

noun

par·​a·​graph ˈper-ə-ˌgraf 

ˈpa-rə-

1

a

: a subdivision of a written composition that consists of one or more sentences, deals with one point or gives the words of one speaker, and begins on a new usually indented line

The introductory paragraphs were written by the editor.

b

: a short composition or note that is complete in one paragraph

2

: a character (such as ¶) used to indicate the beginning of a paragraph and as a reference mark

paragraphic

ˌper-ə-ˈgra-fik 

ˌpa-rə-

adjective

paragraph

2 of 2

verb

paragraphed; paragraphing; paragraphs

transitive verb

1

: to write paragraphs about

2

: to divide into paragraphs

intransitive verb

: to write paragraphs

Examples of paragraph in a Sentence

Noun

In the second paragraph from the bottom, you've misspelled “their” as “thier.”

Please refer to section 2, paragraph 4 for the appropriate information.

The two introductory paragraphs were written by the editor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Give each agitation a short, hard-hitting title and write a short paragraph underneath each one, with new lines separated by line breaks. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

In the post’s next paragraph, Swift endorsed Harris. —Ben Guarino, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2024

Verb

The emails, some of them paragraphs long, proved their son had lived anything but an isolated and unfulfilled life in his basement bedroom. —Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English paragraf marginal sign marking a paragraph, from Anglo-French parogref, from Medieval Latin paragraphus, from Greek paragraphos line used to mark change of persons in a dialogue, from paragraphein to write alongside, from para- + graphein to write — more at carve

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1764, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing paragraph

• sub-paragraph

Kids Definition

paragraph

1 of 2 noun

para·​graph

ˈpar-ə-ˌgraf

1

: a part of a writing or speech that develops in an organized manner one point of a subject or gives the words of one speaker

2

: a short written article (as in a newspaper) complete in one section

paragraph

2 of 2 verb

: to divide into or write paragraphs

Legal Definition

paragraph

noun

para·​graph

: a distinct often numbered or otherwise designated section of a document or writing (as a statute or pleading)