paragraph

[ par-uh-graf, -grahf ]

noun

1. a distinct portion of written or printed matter dealing with a particular idea, usually beginning with an indentation on a new line.
2. a paragraph mark.
3. a note, item, or brief article, as in a newspaper.

verb (used with object)

1. to divide into paragraphs.
2. to write or publish paragraphs about, as in a newspaper.
3. to express in a paragraph.

paragraph

/ ˈpærəˌɡrɑːf; -ˌɡræf; ˌpærəˈɡræfɪk /

noun

1. (in a piece of writing) one of a series of subsections each usually devoted to one idea and each usually marked by the beginning of a new line, indentation, increased interlinear space, etc
2. printing the character ¶, used as a reference mark or to indicate the beginning of a new paragraph
3. a short article in a newspaper

verb

1. to form into paragraphs
2. to express or report in a paragraph

paragraph

1. A basic unit of prose. It is usually composed of several sentences that together develop one central idea. The main sentence in a paragraph is called the topic sentence .

Derived Forms

• paragraphic, adjective
• ˌparaˈgraphically, adverb

Other Words From

• para·graph·ism noun
• par·a·gra·phis·ti·cal [par-, uh, -gr, uh, -, fis, -ti-k, uh, l], adjective
• sub·para·graph noun
• un·para·graphed adjective
• well-para·graphed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paragraph¹

1515–25; earlier paragraphe < Greek paragraphḗ marked passage; para- ¹, graph

Word History and Origins

Origin of paragraph¹

C16: from Medieval Latin paragraphus, from Greek paragraphos line drawing attention to part of a text, from paragraphein to write beside, from para- ¹+ graphein to write

Example Sentences

In September, the department rolled out its long-awaited policy banning deputy gangs, which included a paragraph noting that the department would cooperate with inspector general investigations.

From Los Angeles Times

"I would watch the newspaper guys write their opening paragraphs and sit with the radio journalists and talk to them about how they did their job."

From BBC

Fanning the flames for many more paragraphs, Peyser closes with, "I pity her."

From Salon

In one paragraph, the Editorial Board of the New York Times summarized the existential danger that Trump and his regime will pose to American democracy and freedom:

From Salon

"The dominant theme of the two days has been resilience and climate," he said, adding that the section of the joint statement discussing reparations amounts to "one paragraph in 20-something paragraphs".

From BBC

Related Words

• clause
• portion
• quotation
• reading
• section
• sentence
• text
• transition
• verse