papyrus

noun

pa·​py·​rus pə-ˈpī-rəs 

plural papyri pə-ˈpī-(ˌ)rē 

-rī

or papyruses

1

: a tall perennial sedge (Cyperus papyrus) of the Nile valley

2

: the pith of the papyrus plant especially when made into strips and pressed into a material to write on

3

a

: a writing on papyrus

b

: a written scroll made of papyrus

He discovered a papyrus in the ruins.

Illustration of papyrus

• papyrus 1

Examples of papyrus in a Sentence

an ancient text written on papyrus

He discovered a papyrus in the ruins.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is largely due to the fact that the fire that preserved the papyrus—saving it from the deterioration usually caused by the humidity of Greek soil—also destroyed it. —Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025

The papyrus is dated circa 1550 BCE, with parts of it copied from even earlier texts. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 12 Jan. 2025

Writing systems, emerging around 3,500 BCE, evolved into hieroglyphic script on papyrus, stone, and coffins. —Costa Beavin Pappas, ARTnews.com, 3 Jan. 2025

The surviving papyri copies of the Astrampsychi and the Homeromanteion are in Greek and come predominantly from northern Egypt. —Elizabeth Djinis, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin — more at paper

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

papyrus

noun

pa·​py·​rus pə-ˈpī-rəs 

plural papyri -ˈpī(ə)r-ē 

-ˌī

also papyruses

1

: a tall sedge of the Nile valley

2

: the soft central part of papyrus stems especially when made into strips and pressed into a writing material

3

: a writing on or written scroll of papyrus

Etymology

Middle English papyrus "papyrus," from Latin papyrus "papyrus, paper," from Greek papyros "papyrus" — related to paper