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

In that one paragraph, Dalton effectively exploded the most persuasive arguments used to support minimum-mandatory sentences for low-level offenders, including the reality that behind bars, substance abuse treatment is rare and often low-quality. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Dec. 2024

Still, his mistake cost his reputation dearly; when Professor Trevor-Roper died in 2003, most of his obituaries took note of it in the first paragraph. —Clay Risen, New York Times, 14 Dec. 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)