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

The last paragraph in the blog post is about the season 4 battle pass. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

This role is simply one more paragraph on his extensive job description, with Micklewright’s other duties including maintenance of the garage, handling any ad hoc team issues with hotels or car hire, and liaising with some of the roughly 800 staff back at team headquarters in Silverstone, England. —Jack Bantock, CNN, 6 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)